紹介する
shōkai suru
To introduce in Japanese is 紹介する (shōkai suru). If unsure, use 紹介する. Wiktionary also lists 引き合わせる (hikiawaseru).
Meaning: to cause someone to be acquainted (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 紹介する | shōkai suru |
| 引き合わせる | hikiawaseru |
The standard way to express the act of introducing is using 紹介する. If you are specifically talking about a self-introduction, use the compound noun 自己紹介 (jikoshōkai).
Which one should you use?
While 紹介する (shōkai suru) is the standard way to say 'to introduce' someone, 引き合わせる (hikiawaseru) implies more actively arranging a meeting or bringing two parties together.
How do you pronounce it?
shōkai suru
When do people say it?
For casual introductions, the phrase Yoroshiku is used to mean 'nice to meet you'.
Did you know?
- Japanese has a concept called 紹介状 (shōkaijō), which is a formal letter of introduction used to gain access to a doctor or a high-ranking official.
- In very traditional settings, 引き合わせる (hikiawaseru) can imply a formal matchmaking introduction intended for marriage, rather than a casual social meeting.
- While 紹介する is the act of introducing, the social etiquette following it often relies on the word よろしく (yoroshiku), which technically asks for the other person's future benevolence.
Examples in context
- 彼女に自己紹介する機会がなかった。I didn't get a chance to introduce myself to her.This sentence is useful for expressing that you did not have the opportunity to use 紹介する to her.Tatoeba #94820 by bunbuku, translation #308886 by sacredceltic
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “introduce” translations and entries 引き合わせる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
