初めまして、私は
hajimemashite, watashi wa
The phrase "hello, my name is" in Japanese is translated as 初めまして、私は (hajimemashite, watashi wa).
This phrase is a polite greeting used when introducing oneself to someone for the first time. In natural conversation, Japanese speakers often omit the 私は part and simply say 初めまして、[Name] です to mean "Nice to meet you, I am [Name]."
What does it mean word for word?
The part 初めまして literally means "it is the first time (we are meeting)."
How do you pronounce it?
hajimemashite, watashi wa
When do people say it?
A standard self-introduction in Japanese is often considered incomplete without following it with よろしくお願いします, which means "Please treat me well."
Did you know?
- If you are introducing yourself in a business setting, it is customary to bow at the same time you say 初めまして, with the depth of the bow reflecting your social standing relative to the other person.
- Japanese has several words for 'I' that change based on gender and age, such as 僕 for males or あたし for females in casual settings.
- The phrase 初めまして is actually a conjugation of the verb 始める, which means 'to begin', implying that this meeting is the beginning of a new relationship.
Examples in context
- 初めまして、私は田中です。Hajimemashite, watashi wa Tanaka desu.Hello, my name is Tanaka.
- 初めまして、私は佐藤と申します。Hajimemashite, watashi wa Sato to moshimasu.Hello, my name is Sato (more humble/formal).
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari meet for the first time at a community event.
- 健太 Kenta初めまして、私は健太です。Hajimemashite, watashi wa Kenta desu.Hello, my name is Kenta.
- 陽葵 Himari初めまして、陽葵です。よろしくお願いします。Hajimemashite, Himari desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Hello, I am Himari. Nice to meet you.
- 健太 Kentaこちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you too.
- 陽葵 Himari今日は来てくれてありがとうございます。Kyo wa kite kurete arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for coming today.
