自己紹介
jikoshoukai
Self introduction in Japanese is 自己紹介 (jikoshoukai).
自己紹介 refers to the act of introducing oneself to others, typically by stating your name and basic background.
How do you pronounce it?
jikoshoukai
When do people say it?
You can also use [Country name] kara kimashita. to say "I am from [country name]."
Did you know?
- If you are performing a 自己紹介 in a group, it is common to end with the phrase よろしくお願いいたします (yoroshiku onegaishimasu). This has no direct English translation but effectively means 'please treat me kindly'.
- While 自己紹介 (jikoshoukai) is the standard term, in many business settings, people prefer to use the term 名刺交換 (meishi koukan), which literally means 'exchanging business cards'.
- In very formal Japanese settings, one might not even use the word 'I' (watashi) during a 自己紹介, as the context of the introduction makes the subject clear and the omission increases politeness.
Examples in context
- 自己紹介をお願いします。Jiko shoukai o onegaishimasu.Please introduce yourself.
- 自己紹介の練習をしています。Jiko shoukai no renshuu o shite imasu.I am practicing my self-introduction.
- 短い自己紹介をお願いします。Mijikai jiko shoukai o onegaishimasu.Please give a short self-introduction.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are at a social networking event for new employees.
- 健太 Kenta自己紹介をしましょうか。Jiko shoukai o shimashou ka.Shall we introduce ourselves?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、お願いします。Hai, onegaishimasu.Yes, please.
- 健太 Kenta僕は健太です。よろしくお願いします。Boku wa Kenta desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.I am Kenta. Nice to meet you.
- 結衣 Yui結衣です。こちらこそ。Yui desu. Kochira koso.I am Yui. Nice to meet you, too.
