ここは初めてです
koko wa hajimete desu
To say "I am new here" in Japanese, you use ここは初めてです (koko wa hajimete desu).
ここは初めてです is used to express that it is your first time visiting a specific location, such as a shop, a park or a city.
What does it mean word for word?
ここ means "here" and です is a polite copula used to end the sentence, functioning as "is", "am" or "are".
Which one should you use?
While the English phrase "I am new here" can sometimes refer to being a new employee at a job, ここは初めてです specifically refers to the experience of being at a physical location for the first time.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ここは初めてです is a polite phrase due to the use of です, making it suitable for use with strangers or staff in a professional setting.
How do you pronounce it?
koko wa hajimete desu
Did you know?
- To describe someone who is a 'complete novice' or 'new' to a skill rather than a place, Japanese uses the term 初心者 'shoshinsha', which literally means 'beginning person'.
- In Japanese, the subject 'I' is often omitted in this phrase. Adding 私は (watashi wa) at the beginning is grammatically correct but can actually make you sound more formal or slightly unnatural in casual conversation.
- The word 初めて (hajimete) comes from the verb 始める (hajimeru), which means 'to begin'. In this context, you are essentially saying it is your 'first time' rather than stating you are 'new'.
Examples in context
- 初めてです。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。It's my first time here. Nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Himari and Hinata are standing in front of a new restaurant.
- 陽葵 Himariここは初めてです。Koko wa hajimete desu.It is my first time here.
- 陽太 Yota僕も初めてだよ。Boku mo hajimete da yo.It's my first time, too.
- 陽葵 Himari楽しみですね！Tanoshimi desu ne!I'm excited!
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね。Sou da ne.You're right.
