Watashi no namae wa Maiku desu
standard, polite
In romaji, "My name is Mike" is Watashi no namae wa Maiku desu. In Japanese script it is 私の名前はマイクです (Watashi no namae wa Maiku desu). It is also called Watashi wa Maiku desu and Maiku desu.
Meaning: introducing yourself (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Note |
|---|---|
| Watashi no namae wa Maiku desu | standard, polite |
| Watashi wa Maiku desu | neutral |
| Maiku desu | short, common |
In real conversations, people often shorten it to Maiku desu, "I am Mike", especially after Hajimemashite (nice to meet you).
What does it mean word for word?
Watashi no namae is "my name", wa marks the topic, then comes the name, then desu.
How do you pronounce it?
The particle spelled wa in romaji is written は in Japanese. Say every vowel clearly, as in "wah-tah-shee".
Did you know?
- Japanese people often put the family name first, so a local may say Tanaka Hiroshi desu with the family name before the given name.
Examples in context
- Hajimemashite. Watashi no namae wa Sara desu.Nice to meet you. My name is Sarah.
- Watashi wa Debiddo desu.I am David.
- Maiku desu. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.I am Mike. Pleased to meet you.
Example conversation
Sarah introduces herself to a host family on her first evening in Kyoto.
- Host motherOnamae wa nan desu ka?What is your name?
- SarahWatashi no namae wa Sara desu.My name is Sarah.
- Host motherSara-san, yoroshiku onegai shimasu.Sarah, pleased to meet you.
