Learning to express your major in a foreign language is not only helpful for communication, but it also showcases your dedication and passion for your chosen field. In this guide, we will explain how to say “my major is Japanese language” in both formal and informal Japanese. Let’s dive in and explore the various ways to express this phrase!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When using formal language in Japanese, it is important to show respect and politeness. Here are a few ways to convey “my major is Japanese language” formally:
1. わたしの専攻は日本語です。
This is a straightforward and polite way to express your major. Simply say, “わたしの専攻は日本語です。” (Watashi no senkō wa nihongo desu.) This phrase directly translates to “My major is Japanese language.” Using “わたしの” (watashi no) at the beginning emphasizes that it is your personal major, and “専攻” (senkō) translates to “major” or “field of study.”
2. 私は日本語を専攻しています。
Another common way to express the same idea formally is by saying, “私は日本語を専攻しています。” (Watashi wa nihongo o senkō shite imasu.) In this sentence, “を” (o) marks the direct object, indicating that Japanese language is the area of study.
3. 私の専門は日本語です。
Lastly, if you prefer to use the word “専門” (senmon) instead of “専攻” (senkō), you can say, “私の専門は日本語です。” (Watashi no senmon wa nihongo desu.) This phrase is similar to the previous ones but places more emphasis on your specialization or expertise in Japanese language.
Informal Expressions
In informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or peers, you can utilize less formal language. Here are a few examples of how to say “my major is Japanese language” informally:
1. オレの専攻は日本語だよ。
Informally, you can say, “オレの専攻は日本語だよ。” (Ore no senkō wa nihongo da yo.) The term “オレ” (ore) is a casual pronoun often used among male speakers, and “だよ” (da yo) adds a friendly tone to the sentence. Note that this expression is mainly used by males.
2. 日本語をメインにやってるんだ。
Another informal way to express your major is by saying, “日本語をメインにやってるんだ。” (Nihongo o mein ni yatteru n da.) This sentence translates to “I’m mainly focusing on Japanese language.” “メイン” (mein) means “main” or “primary,” and “やってるんだ” (yatteru n da) comes from the verb “やる” (yaru), meaning “to do.”
Tips for Usage
– Remember to adjust the expressions according to your gender and level of formality in different situations.
– If you want to add more detail to your sentence, you can include additional information such as your level of proficiency or specific aspects you are studying, like spoken Japanese, written Japanese, or Japanese culture.
Examples
1. Example in a formal context:
「私の名前はサラです。わたしはフリーダ大学で学んでいます。専攻は日本語です。日本文化にも興味がありますので、将来は日本語教師になることを目指しています。」
“My name is Sarah. I’m studying at Frida University. My major is Japanese language. I’m also interested in Japanese culture, so I aspire to become a Japanese language teacher in the future.”
2. Example in an informal context:
「日本語が大好きで、専攻は日本語なんだよ！将来は日本語通訳や翻訳者になりたいな。」
“I love Japanese, and my major is Japanese language! I want to become a Japanese interpreter or translator in the future.”
These examples demonstrate how you can incorporate your interest, aspirations, or career goals into the conversation to provide more context and make the exchange more engaging.
Regional Variations
While there aren’t significant regional variations in expressing your major in Japanese, it’s worth noting that dialects and local expressions can influence informal conversations. Therefore, if you are in a specific region of Japan, you might encounter unique phrases or ways of expressing your major. Nevertheless, the formal and informal expressions provided earlier should suffice in most situations throughout Japan.
Congratulations on choosing Japanese language as your major! Utilize these expressions based on the context and formality of your conversations. Keep practicing and engaging with Japanese speakers to enhance your language skills further. Best of luck with your studies and future endeavors in the Japanese language!
