イスマエル
Isumaeru
The male name Ismael is written イスマエル (Isumaeru) in Japanese, using katakana, the script for foreign names.
Use イスマエル whenever you write the name Ismael in Japanese, for example on a name tag, in a message or when introducing yourself.
What does it mean word for word?
イスマエル spells out the sounds of the name syllable by syllable, Isumaeru, because Japanese syllables mostly end in a vowel.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced Isumaeru. The u after the s is very soft, so it sounds close to the original name.
When do people say it?
To introduce yourself formally, say はじめまして、イスマエルと申します, nice to meet you, my name is Ismael. A friend might greet him with イスマエルくん、元気？, hey Ismael, how are you?
Did you know?
- While イスマエル is the standard spelling, some people choose to assign kanji characters to their foreign names to give them a specific meaning. For example, characters meaning 'ice' or 'smile' could be chosen to match the sounds of 'Ismael'.
- The honorific くん (kun) added to イスマエルくん is typically used for younger males or peers. Using it with a superior or a teacher would be considered a social mistake.
- Because the name イスマエル is written in katakana, it is visually distinct from Japanese names, which usually use kanji. This tells a reader instantly that the person is likely of foreign origin.
Examples in context
- イスマエルさんは親切です。Isumaeru-san wa shinsetsu desu.Ismael is kind.
- 新しい友達はイスマエルです。Atarashii tomodachi wa Isumaeru desu.The new friend is Ismael.
- イスマエルはどこにいますか？Isumaeru wa doko ni imasu ka?Where is Ismael?
Example conversation
A woman asks a man about a new coworker.
- 陽葵 Himari新しい同僚は、イスマエルさんですか？Atarashii doryou wa, Isumaeru-san desu ka?Is the new colleague Ismael?
- 蓮 Renはい、イスマエルさんです。Hai, Isumaeru-san desu.Yes, it is Ismael.
- 陽葵 Himari彼はとても優しそうですね。Kare wa totemo yasashisou desu ne.He seems very kind.
- 蓮 Renええ、とても良い人ですよ。Ee, totemo ii hito desu yo.Yes, he is a very good person.
