私の名前は〜です
watashi no namae wa ~ desupolite
In anime, "my name is" is often 私の名前は〜です (watashi no namae wa ~ desu), polite and neutral. A boy may say 俺は〜だ (ore wa ~ da), which is rough and proud. It is also called 〜と申します (~ to mōshimasu).
Meaning: introducing yourself (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 私の名前は〜です | watashi no namae wa ~ desu | polite |
| 〜と申します | ~ to mōshimasu | formal |
| 俺は〜だ | ore wa ~ da | casual, masculine |
Characters introduce themselves with a short line such as 私の名前はミキです (watashi no namae wa Miki desu). A formal version is 〜と申します (~ to mōshimasu).
Which one should you use?
The word for "I" shows the character. 私 (watashi) is neutral, 俺 (ore) is masculine and 僕 (boku) is softer and boyish.
Did you know?
- Japanese introductions usually end with よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegai shimasu).
Examples in context
- 俺はレンだ。Ore wa Ren da.I am Ren.
- ハルと申します。Haru to mōshimasu.My name is Haru.
Example conversation
On the first day of school, a new student Miki speaks to her class and Teacher.
- Teacher自己紹介をお願いします。Jikoshōkai o onegai shimasu.Please introduce yourself.
- Miki私の名前はミキです。Watashi no namae wa Miki desu.My name is Miki.
- Mikiよろしくお願いします。Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.Nice to meet you.
