Learning to introduce yourself in Japanese, or Japanese self-introduction (jikoshoukai), is a fundamental skill for beginners. This guide provides easy templates, practical phrases, and pronunciation tips to help you master your self-introduction quickly and confidently.
1. Start with a Polite Greeting
Begin with a courteous greeting to set a positive tone:
- はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – (Starter-greeting when meeting someone for the first time) Hello.
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello. / Good afternoon.
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning.
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening.
2. State Your Name
Introduce yourself using the following structure:
- 私は [Your Name] です (Watashi wa [Youe Name] desu) – I’m [Your Name].
- 私の名前は [Your Name] です (Watashi no namae wa [Your Name] desu) – My name is [Your Name].
For a more formal setting:
- [Your Name] と申します ([Your Name] to moushimasu) – I am called [Your Name].
3. Mention Your Nationality or Hometown
Sharing your origin helps build connections:
- [Country / City] 出身です ([City] shusshin desu) – I am from [Country / City].
- [Country / City] から来ました ([Country] kara kimashita) – I came from [Country / City].
4. Discuss Your Occupation or Studies
Briefly talk about your job or studies:
- [Occupation] です ([Occupation] desu) – I am a [Occupation].
- [Field of Study] を勉強しています ([Field of Study] o benkyou shiteimasu) – I am studying [Field of Study].
5. Share Your Hobbies or Interests
Mentioning hobbies can make your introduction more engaging:
- 趣味は [Hobby] です (Shumi wa [Hobby] desu) – My hobby is [Hobby].
- [Activity] が好きです ([Activity] ga suki desu) – I like [Activity].
6. Conclude with a Closing Remark
End your introduction with a polite phrase:
- どうぞよろしくお願いします (Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – I look forward to working with you.
7. Bow to Show Respect
In Japanese culture, bowing is an important gesture that conveys respect and humility. When introducing yourself:
- Keep your back straight and bow at the waist.
- The depth of the bow depends on the formality of the situation:
- A small nod for casual settings.
- A 15-degree bow for semi-formal introductions.
- A deeper 30-degree bow for formal occasions.
Make sure to maintain eye contact before and after the bow, and smile to convey friendliness.
Example Self-Introduction
こんにちは。私の名前はジョン・スミスです。アメリカから来ました。教師です。趣味は読書とハイキングです。どうぞよろしくお願いします。 [Bow slightly at the end].
Konnichiwa. Watashi no namae wa Jon Sumisu desu. Amerika kara kimashita. Kyoushi desu. Shumi wa dokusho to haikingu desu. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Key Points to Remember
- Maintain eye contact and smile to show friendliness.
- Adjust the formality of your language based on the context.
- Practice your introduction and bow to deliver it smoothly and confidently.
By mastering this simple structure and incorporating bowing, you can make a strong first impression in Japanese, whether in casual or formal settings.
Master Japanese Self-Introduction with Our Exclusive Workbook!
Struggling to create the perfect self-introduction in Japanese? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Introducing the Self-Introduction Workbook: Mastering Japanese in Minutes, a step-by-step guide designed specifically for beginners.
What’s Inside the Workbook?
- Customizable Templates: Personalize your self-introduction with easy-to-follow structures.
- Essential Phrases: Learn key phrases for greetings, talking about your name, nationality, job, and hobbies.
- Practice Sections: Write and refine your introduction with guided exercises.
- Example Scenarios: Discover how to adapt your introduction for different situations like work, travel, or language exchange.
Bonus: Audio Guide Included!
The workbook comes with a downloadable audio guide to help you perfect your pronunciation and sound confident when introducing yourself. Listen to native Japanese speakers and practice along!
👉 Click Here to Get Your Workbook!
Why This Workbook is Perfect for You
- Beginner-Friendly: Tailored for learners who want to build confidence quickly.
- Time-Saving: Create your self-introduction in minutes with ready-made templates.
- Versatile: Use it for work, study, or social events in Japan.
Get Started Today!
Download the Self-Introduction Workbook now and start mastering your Japanese self-introduction! Whether you’re preparing for a trip to Japan or starting a Japanese language course, this workbook will set you up for success.
👉 Click Here to Get Your Workbook!
If you’d like to take your Japanese self-introduction skills even further, consider booking a 1:1 online lesson with Mochifika! Personalized lessons are tailored to your goals, whether you’re practicing your jikoshoukai (self-introduction), improving your pronunciation, or learning cultural nuances.
You can also explore other resources like the “Slow Japanese” podcast, available on the Mochifika website and Patreon, where you’ll find exclusive transcripts and more to support your learning journey.
Start building confidence in your Japanese today with Mochifika!
