わたしのなまえは〜です
watashi no namae wa … desupolite
My name is in hiragana is わたしのなまえは〜です (watashi no namae wa … desu). Put your name in the gap. A more formal way is わたしは〜といいます (watashi wa … to iimasu), "I am called …". It is also called 〜といいます (… to iimasu).
Meaning: introducing yourself (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| わたしのなまえは〜です | watashi no namae wa … desu | polite |
| 〜といいます | … to iimasu | polite, formal |
In real life, Japanese people usually just say 〜です after はじめまして (hajimemashite). Saying the full sentence sounds textbook-like but is correct.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
〜といいます is used in interviews, meetings and when introducing yourself to people of higher status.
How does it change in a sentence?
なまえ (namae) means name and は (wa) marks the topic.
Did you know?
- In Japanese the family name comes before the given name, so Tanaka Ichiro is the order used in Japan.
Examples in context
- わたしのなまえはたなかです。Watashi no namae wa Tanaka desu.My name is Tanaka.
- わたしはさとうといいます。Watashi wa Satō to iimasu.My name is Sato.
Example conversation
Risa introduces herself at a language class and the Teacher asks her name.
- Teacherおなまえはなんですか。Onamae wa nan desu ka.What is your name.
- Risaわたしのなまえはりさです。Watashi no namae wa Risa desu.My name is Risa.
- Teacherりささん、よろしく。Risa-san, yoroshiku.Nice to meet you, Risa.
