はじめまして
hajimemashite
In Japanese, "nice meeting you" is expressed as はじめまして (hajimemashite).
はじめまして is a standard greeting used exclusively at the very beginning of a conversation when meeting someone for the first time. Note that it cannot be used to say "it was nice meeting you" at the end of a meeting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is derived from the verb hajimeru (to begin/start), literally implying that it is the first time or the beginning of a relationship.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
はじめまして is a polite, standard greeting suitable for most social and business situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Japanese, はじめまして is almost always followed by a phrase like yoroshiku onegaishimasu to complete the greeting.
How do you pronounce it?
hajimemashite
When do people say it?
The phrases はじめまして and yoroshiku onegaishimasu can be combined to mean "Nice to meet you, please take care of me."
Did you know?
- The phrase はじめまして is closely linked to the concept of en or 'fate'. Meeting someone for the first time is viewed as the start of a karmic connection, which makes the initial greeting a significant social marker.
- In many Western cultures, eye contact is a sign of sincerity during a first meeting, but in Japan, prolonged direct eye contact while saying はじめまして can actually be perceived as aggressive or rude.
- The accompanying phrase よろしく is so versatile that it is used not only when meeting people, but also when handing someone a task or ending a business email.
Examples in context
- はじめまして、田中です。Hajimemashite, Tanaka desu.Nice meeting you, I am Tanaka.
- はじめまして、お会いできて嬉しいです。Hajimemashite, oaidekite ureshii desu.Nice meeting you, I am happy to meet you.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are introduced by a mutual friend at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misakiはじめまして。美咲です。Hajimemashite. Misaki desu.Nice meeting you. I'm Misaki.
- 蓮 Renはじめまして。蓮です。Hajimemashite. Ren desu.Nice meeting you. I'm Ren.
- 美咲 Misakiよろしくお願いします。Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.It's a pleasure to meet you.
- 蓮 Renこちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Likewise, it's a pleasure to meet you.
