私の名前はエラです
watashi no namae wa era desu
The English phrase "my name is ella" is translated into Japanese as 私の名前はエラです (watashi no namae wa era desu).
This phrase is used to introduce yourself by stating your name. It uses watashi, a neutral pronoun for "I" or "me" that is suitable for both genders and namae, which means "name".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down literally as 私 (watashi) の (no) 名前 (namae) は (wa) エラ (era) です (desu): "I's name [topic] Ella is".
Which one should you use?
While 私の名前はエラです is grammatically complete, it can sound slightly textbook-like or overly formal. Simply saying エラです is more natural in many daily interactions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The formal way to say 'My name is Ella' is Watashi no namae wa Ella desu. Using just your name followed by です (desu) is a common, polite way to introduce yourself in social situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle は (wa) marks 'my name' as the topic of the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi no namae wa era desu
When do people say it?
In Japan, it is customary to bow slightly when introducing yourself.
Did you know?
- In Japanese business culture, the standard way to introduce yourself is not to state your name first, but to state your company or organization and then your name.
- If you are introducing yourself to a superior, you might use the humble form と申します (to moshimasu) instead of です (desu) to show respect.
- When introducing yourself in a very formal setting, you might use the word 初めまして (hajimemashite), which literally means 'it is the first time', to signal the start of your introduction.
Examples in context
- 私の名前はエラです。Watashi no namae wa Era desu.My name is Ella.
- はじめまして、私の名前はエラです。Hajimemashite, watashi no namae wa Era desu.Nice to meet you, my name is Ella.
- 私の名前はエラです。よろしくお願いします。Watashi no namae wa Era desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.My name is Ella. Pleased to meet you.
Example conversation
Two students are meeting for the first time at school.
- 美咲 Misakiこんにちは！私は美咲です。Konnichiwa! Watashi wa Misaki desu.Hello! I am Misaki.
- 大翔 Hirotoこんにちは。私の名前はエラです。Konnichiwa. Watashi no namae wa Era desu.Hello. My name is Ella.
- 美咲 Misakiエラさん、よろしくお願いします。Era-san, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Ella, it is nice to meet you.
- 大翔 Hirotoこちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you too.
