私の名前はジョンです
watashi no namae wa Jon desukatakana name, polite
To say "my name is" with a foreign name in katakana, say 私の名前はジョンです (watashi no namae wa Jon desu). The name is written in katakana, here "John". It is also called ジョンと申します (Jon to moushimasu).
Meaning: introducing yourself (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 私の名前はジョンです | watashi no namae wa Jon desu | katakana name, polite |
| ジョンと申します | Jon to moushimasu | katakana name, formal |
Foreign names are written in katakana by sounds, so "John" becomes ジョン (Jon), "Anna" becomes アンナ (Anna) and "Mike" becomes マイク (Maiku).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ジョンと申します (Jon to moushimasu) is more formal and suits business meetings. The short ジョンです (Jon desu) works in casual introductions.
How does it change in a sentence?
Japanese names go after は (wa) and before です (desu). The word 私の (watashi no) means "my" and can be left out in speech.
Did you know?
- Japanese has no sound for the English th, so a name like "Smith" is usually written スミス (Sumisu).
Examples in context
- 私の名前はマイクです。Watashi no namae wa Maiku desu.My name is Mike.
- アンナと申します。Anna to moushimasu.My name is Anna.
- はじめまして、ジョンです。Hajimemashite, Jon desu.Nice to meet you, I am John.
Example conversation
Newcomer John introduces himself to Mr. Hara in a language class.
- Johnはじめまして。Hajimemashite.Nice to meet you.
- John私の名前はジョンです。Watashi no namae wa Jon desu.My name is John.
- Haraジョンさん、よろしく。Jon-san, yoroshiku.Nice to meet you, John.
