私の名前
watashi no namae
In Japanese, "my name" is expressed as 私の名前 (watashi no namae).
This phrase refers to the name belonging to the person speaking. While you can use 私の名前 to identify yourself, in natural Japanese conversation, it is often more common to omit "my name" entirely and simply say [Name] です to introduce oneself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 私 (watashi – I/me), の (no – possessive particle) and 名前 (namae – name).
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "My name is [Name]", you use the particle は (wa) after 私の名前, forming the structure 私の名前は…
How do you pronounce it?
watashi no namae
Did you know?
- Some Japanese people have 'reading' instructions written in small characters called 'furigana' above their 名前 to ensure people pronounce the rare characters correctly.
- In professional environments, it is common to introduce yourself by your company and department first, rather than your name. The sequence usually goes 'Company' then 'Department' and finally 私の名前.
- Japanese culture often prioritizes the surname over the given name, so when someone asks for your 名前, they might actually be expecting your family name first.
Examples in context
- 私の名前はトムです。My name is Tom.This sentence shows how to use 私の名前 to introduce yourself.Tatoeba #2796260 by tommy_san, translation #1173265 by cntrational
- 彼は私の名前を呼んだ。He called my name.This sentence shows how to use 私の名前 as the object of a verb.Tatoeba #105686 by bunbuku, translation #298001 by CK
- 私の名前はロビンです。My name is Robin.Tatoeba #9930180 by small_snow, translation #6171506 by RobinvanderVliet
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are introducing themselves at a small gathering.
- 結衣 Yui私の名前は結衣です。Watashi no namae wa Yui desu.My name is Yui.
- 蓮 Ren初めまして。私の名前は蓮です。Hajimemashite. Watashi no namae wa Ren desu.Nice to meet you. My name is Ren.
- 結衣 Yuiよろしくお願いします、蓮さん。Yoroshiku onegaishimasu, Ren-san.It is nice to meet you, Ren.
- 蓮 Renこちらこそ、結衣さん。Kochira koso, Yui-san.Likewise, Yui.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
