初めまして
hajimemashite[ha̠ʑime̞ma̠ɕi̥te̞]
初めまして (hajimemashite) is the Japanese way to say "nice to meet you".
初めまして is a polite greeting used specifically when meeting someone for the first time. 初めまして is strictly reserved for a first-time encounter.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is derived from the verb hajimeru (to begin) and literally conveys the meaning "It is the first time".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Japanese, the process of saying "nice to meet you" is often a two-part ritual. You typically start the introduction with 初めまして and conclude the introduction with よろしくお願いします, which means "Please treat me well".
How do you pronounce it?
hajimemashite
Did you know?
- If you use 'hajimemashite' with someone you have met before, it can be seen as an accidental insult, as it implies you have completely forgotten them.
- While 初めまして is the standard greeting, you will rarely hear a Japanese person say it without a bow. The depth and duration of the bow change depending on the social status of the person you are meeting.
- The phrase よろしくお願いします that follows 初めまして has no direct English equivalent because it asks the other person to accept a future relationship of mutual obligation.
Examples in context
- 初めまして。It's nice to meet you.This sentence shows how to use 初めまして as a standalone greeting.Tatoeba #2196363 by bunbuku, translation #64723 by CK
- こんにちは。初めまして。Hi, nice to meet you.This sentence demonstrates combining a standard greeting with 初めまして.Tatoeba #11049447 by small_snow, translation #6075506 by Hybrid
- キリルと申します、初めまして！My name's Cyril. Nice to meet you.This sentence shows how to introduce yourself before saying 初めまして.Tatoeba #370795 by reiji, translation #1346838 by CN
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are meeting at a social gathering.
- 結衣 Yui初めまして、結衣です。Hajimemashite, Yui desu.Nice to meet you, I am Yui.
- 健太 Kenta初めまして、健太と申します。Hajimemashite, Kenta to moshimasu.Nice to meet you, my name is Kenta.
- 結衣 Yuiよろしくお願いします。Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Pleasure to meet you.
- 健太 Kentaこちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.The pleasure is mine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 初めまして, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
