What does it mean word for word?
The noun 自己紹介 (jiko shōkai), meaning "self-introduction", is composed of 自己 (self) and 紹介 (introduction).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In professional business settings, it is more polite and professional to use 自己紹介をお願いします (jiko shōkai wo onegai shimasu). For even more formal situations, you can use Hajimemashite, jikoshoukai wo onegai shimasu, which adds "Nice to meet you" to the beginning or the very formal Douzo, jikoshoukai wo onegai itashimasu.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the -te form of the verb 紹介する (to introduce) followed by ください (please) to form a polite request.
How do you pronounce it?
jiko shōkai shite kudasai
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the casual form 自己紹介して (jiko shōkai shite). While this is a direct way to say "introduce yourself", it functions as a casual command and can sound blunt or rude when spoken to strangers or superiors.
Did you know?
- In certain traditional social circles, a formal 'self-introduction' is actually performed by a third party rather than the person themselves. This 'mediator' introduces the newcomer to the group to ensure proper social hierarchy is maintained.
- In some highly formal business contexts, a person might provide a 自己紹介 that emphasizes their company and department before their own name to show humility.
- If you are asked to perform a 自己紹介 in a Japanese school or company, it is common to end with the phrase よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegai shimasu). This shifts the focus from who you are to the relationship you hope to build.
Examples in context
- 自己紹介してください。Please introduce yourself.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 自己紹介してください.Tatoeba #13198796 by atitarev, translation #13198784 by atitarev
- すみませんが、自己紹介してください。sumimasen ga, jiko shoukai shite kudasai.Excuse me, but please introduce yourself.
- 新入社員の方は、自己紹介してください。shinnyuu shain no kata wa, jiko shoukai shite kudasai.New employees, please introduce yourselves.
Example conversation
Misaki is introducing Yota to a group of new students.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さん、自己紹介してください。Youta-san, jikoshoukai shite kudasai.Yota, please introduce yourself.
- 陽太 Yotaはい。陽太です。よろしくお願いします。Hai. Youta desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Okay. I'm Yota. Nice to meet you.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
- 陽太 Yotaこちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
