Eight years ago, in my very first Japanese class, my teacher told us that by the next day we would all be able to go around and give an introduction in Japanese. She handed us a pink sheet with a list of Japanese phrases. That night, I practiced so much that my sister, with whom I shared a room, subconsciously memorized the phrases too. To this day, my sister still remembers the introduction I had to learn that night. If she can do it, so can you!
First, let’s start out with a self-introduction written out in Japanese :
If you are an absolute beginner, chances are you might not be able to read Japanese yet. So, let’s sound it out using the English alphabet. Then, we’ll break each sentence down so you can understand the vocabulary, sentence structure, and grammar.
Hajimemashite
(Ha-ji-meh-ma-she-teh)
Hajimemashite translates to “nice to meet you.” When introducing yourself in Japanese, you start by saying hajimemashite, whether you are introducing yourself to an individual or a group.
Watashi-no-namae-wa-[YOUR NAME]-desu
(Wa-ta-she-no-na-ma-ee-wa-[YOUR NAME]-deh-sue)
This sentence is used to introduce your name. Let’s break this sentence down. Watashi-no-namae translates to “my name.” Watashi means “me” or “I” and namae means “name.” No is a Japanese particle that is used to indicate possession; in this case, of your name. Wa is a Japanese particle that marks the topic of a sentence. Following wa, you state your name, then end with desu. Desu is commonly translated to “it is” or “to be.” In Japanese, verbs almost always come at the end of sentences.
[COUNTRY]-kara-kimashita
([COUNTRY]-ka-ra-key-ma-she-ta)
Next, you are telling people where you are from. Kara is another Japanese particle that indicates the starting point or origin of something. It is followed by kimashita, the past tense of the verb kuru, or to come. In this sentence, kara is being used to indicate that you came from the stated country. This sentence translates to “I come from ___.” Feel free to look up the Japanese pronunciation of your country, or just state it in English for now.
Douzo-yoroshiku-onegaishimasu
(Dough-zo-yo-row-she-ku-oh-neh-guy-she-ma-sue)
This is a bit of a mouthful, and it will definitely take some practicing to pronounce. Douzo-yoroshiku-onegaishimasu is a phrase used in a similar way as saying “nice to meet you.” In this case, it is being used with the maximum degree of formality. If you are in a less formal situation, like introducing yourself to a classmate, you could also say yoroshiku-onegaishimasu, dropping the douzo.
Now, put everything together!
Hajimemashite. Watashi-no-namae-wa-[YOUR NAME]-desu. [YOUR COUNTRY]-kara-kimashita. Douzo-yoroshiku-onegaishimasu.
Comments