これが私です
kore ga watashi desu
The phrase "this is me" in Japanese is これが私です (kore ga watashi desu).
これが私です is used to identify yourself, such as when pointing to a photograph or introducing yourself in a specific context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of three parts: これ (kore) means "this" (referring to something near the speaker), 私 (watashi) means "I" or "me" and です (desu) is a polite copula meaning "is" or "am".
Which one should you use?
When identifying yourself, use これ (this) if you are pointing to an object or photo near you. Do not use sore (that), as sore refers to something near the listener.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more casual and masculine way to say "this is me" among friends, you can use これ、僕だよ.
How do you pronounce it?
kore ga watashi desu
Did you know?
- In Japanese, you can often omit the word 私 (me) entirely when pointing to a photo, simply saying これです (it is this).
- The word これ (kore) is a 'near-speaker' demonstrative, but if you point to a photo that is currently being held by someone else, using これ might be considered impolite as it ignores the other person's space.
- In highly formal business contexts, a person might use 私 (watakushi) instead of 私 (watashi) to sound more humble and professional.
Examples in context
- これが私です。Kore ga watashi desu.This is me.
Example conversation
Misaki shows Kenta a childhood photo.
- 美咲 Misaki見て、この写真のこれが私です。mite, kono shashin no kore ga watashi desu.Look, this is me in this photo.
- 健太 Kenta本当？全然似ていないね。hontou? zenzen nite inai ne.Really? You don't look like yourself at all.
- 美咲 Misakiそうかな？小さい頃はこうだったの。sou kana? chiisai koro wa kou datta no.You think so? This is how I was when I was little.
- 健太 Kenta可愛いね、美咲さん。kawaii ne, Misaki-san.You were cute, Misaki.
