初めまして
hajimemashite[ha̠ʑime̞ma̠ɕi̥te̞]
初めまして (hajimemashite) is the Japanese way to say "please to meet you".
初めまして is used exclusively at the very beginning of a first-time introduction. While it serves as a standard greeting, you can add more formality by using the phrase Hajimemashite, douzo yoroshiku o-negai shimasu, which translates to "It is the beginning, please treat me kindly". Additionally, the concise formal version Douzo yoroshiku o-negai shimasu can be used to express a polite request for kindness.
How does it change in a sentence?
初めまして is a standalone greeting and does not require a subject or object to be grammatically complete in a conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
hajimemashite
When do people say it?
It is common practice to bow slightly while saying 初めまして to show respect during a first meeting.
Did you know?
- If you meet someone for the second time, you can never use 初めまして again. Doing so would imply that you have forgotten your previous encounter, which can be seen as quite rude.
- The phrase よろしく used in the full introduction has no direct English translation because it asks for a future relationship of mutual favor and harmony.
- The word hajimemashite is derived from the verb hajimeru, which means 'to begin' or 'to start'. You are literally telling the other person that you are starting a new relationship or a new chapter with them.
Examples in context
- 初めまして、田中です。Hajimemashite, Tanaka desu.Nice to meet you, I am Tanaka.
- 初めまして、どうぞよろしくお願いします。Hajimemashite, douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you, it is a pleasure to meet you.
- 初めまして、お会いできて嬉しいです。Hajimemashite, oai dekite ureshii desu.Nice to meet you, I am happy to meet you.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota meet for the first time at a party.
- 美咲 Misaki初めまして、美咲です。Hajimemashite, Misaki desu.Nice to meet you, I am Misaki.
- 陽太 Yota初めまして、陽太です。よろしくお願いします。Hajimemashite, Yota desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you, I am Yota. Pleased to meet you.
- 美咲 Misakiこちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Likewise, pleased to meet you.
- 陽太 Yota今日は楽しんでくださいね。Kyou wa tanoshinde kudasai ne.Please enjoy yourself today.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 初めまして, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
