24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Self-Introductions

Starting a conversation in Japanese can feel intimidating, but it’s also a wonderful way to connect and share a bit about yourself.

Whether you’re meeting someone new, attending a cultural event, or just practicing, having a handful of key phrases ready makes introductions smoother and more enjoyable.

Japanese greetings and self-introduction phrases are not only polite but also give insight into the culture’s warmth and respect.

This list will guide you through 24 essential phrases that cover casual, polite, and native-like expressions, so you’ll feel confident no matter the setting.

Learning these phrases can open doors to new friendships and enrich your language journey with meaningful interactions.

Let’s dive in and explore these useful phrases, one step closer to mastering self-introductions in Japanese!

Getting Comfortable with Japanese Introductions

Before jumping into specific phrases, it’s good to understand the basics of introductions in Japanese.

Japanese self-introductions often include your name, where you’re from, and what you do, wrapped in polite expressions to show respect.

Knowing this structure helps you prepare and feel at ease during conversations.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

These phrasebooks often provide examples and pronunciation guides that make learning easier.

Practicing aloud regularly boosts your confidence and helps your memory stick.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – ha-jee-meh-mah-sh-teh

This is the classic “Nice to meet you” phrase used when introducing yourself for the first time.

It’s a simple, polite way to start a conversation and is almost always appropriate. Just say “hajimemashite” with a gentle bow.

Using this phrase shows respect and openness to the new connection.

It’s often the first phrase you learn because it breaks the ice perfectly.

Pair it with your name for a smooth introduction.

Keep it ready for every new encounter, and it will become second nature quickly.

2. 私は[Name]です (Watashi wa [Name] desu) – wah-tah-shee wah [Name] dess

This means “I am [Name].”

“Watashi” means “I,” “wa” is the topic particle (pronounced “wah”), and “desu” is a polite sentence ending meaning “is.”

It’s a straightforward way to tell someone your name.

Make sure to pause slightly after “watashi wa” to keep the rhythm natural.

For example, “Watashi wa Anna desu” means “I am Anna.”

Using this structure makes your introduction clear and polite.

3. よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – yo-ro-shi-ku oh-neh-gai-shee-mahss

This phrase roughly translates to “Please treat me well” or “Nice to meet you.”

It’s often used after saying your name to politely ask for a good relationship.

It’s a must-know phrase because it carries a feeling of humility and friendliness.

Don’t overthink the meaning, just remember it as a polite way to end your introduction.

Adding this phrase shows you value the new connection.

It’s a perfect phrase to practice daily as it fits many social situations.

4. どこから来ましたか？ (Doko kara kimashita ka?) – doh-koh kah-rah kee-mah-sh-tah kah?

This question means “Where are you from?” and is great for getting to know someone after introductions.

“Doko” means “where,” “kara” means “from,” “kimashita” is the past form of “come,” and “ka” marks it as a question.

It’s a friendly way to show interest in the other person.

Be sure to use a gentle tone to sound approachable.

For example, after they answer, you can say “そうですか (Sou desu ka?)” meaning “Is that so?” to keep the conversation flowing.

This phrase opens up cultural exchange and meaningful chat.

5. [Country/City] から来ました ([Country/City] kara kimashita) – [Country/City] kah-rah kee-mah-sh-tah

Use this to say “I’m from [place].”

Simply insert your hometown or country before “kara kimashita.”

It’s a natural response after someone asks where you’re from.

For example, “Tokyo kara kimashita” means “I’m from Tokyo.”

Try practicing with different place names to build fluency.

This phrase helps you share a bit about your background easily.

6. 趣味は何ですか？ (Shumi wa nan desu ka?) – shoo-mee wah nan dess kah?

This means “What are your hobbies?”

“Shumi” means “hobby,” “wa” marks the topic, “nan” means “what,” and “desu ka” makes it a question.

It’s a great way to make conversations more personal.

Ask this after basic introductions to show interest.

People usually enjoy talking about their hobbies, so it’s a friendly icebreaker.

Try answering this question yourself to keep the chat balanced.

7. 趣味は[Hobby]です (Shumi wa [Hobby] desu) – shoo-mee wah [Hobby] dess

Answering the hobbies question is easy with this phrase.

Just insert your hobby before “desu.”

For example, “Shumi wa e o kaku koto desu” means “My hobby is drawing pictures.”

Keep the hobby simple and clear to avoid confusion.

Use this phrase to share more about yourself naturally.

It’s a stepping stone for deeper conversations.

8. 日本語を勉強しています (Nihongo o benkyou shiteimasu) – nee-hon-go oh ben-kyoh sh-teh-ee-mahss

This means “I am studying Japanese.”

It’s a useful phrase to show your dedication and invite supportive conversation.

“Nihongo” means “Japanese language,” “o” is the object marker, and “benkyou shiteimasu” means “am studying.”

Share this to connect with native speakers or fellow learners.

It can encourage others to share tips or practice with you.

Use it proudly as a conversation starter.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 初めまして、[Name]と申します (Hajimemashite, [Name] to moushimasu) – ha-jee-meh-mah-sh-teh, [Name] toh moh-shee-mahss

This is a more formal way to say “Nice to meet you, my name is [Name].”

“To moushimasu” is a humble way to say “I am called.”

Use this in professional or very polite contexts.

It shows respect and humility, which are valued in Japanese culture.

This phrase is key in business or formal introductions.

Practice it to sound polished and respectful.

10. どうぞよろしくお願いいたします (Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) – doh-zo yo-ro-shi-ku oh-neh-gai ee-tah-shee-mahss

This is the formal, very polite version of “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.”

“Douzo” means “please,” and “itadashimasu” is an even humbler verb form.

It’s perfect for business meetings or formal events.

Using this phrase signals high respect and professionalism.

Don’t be intimidated by the length; practice slowly at first.

It leaves a strong positive impression in formal settings.

11. お仕事は何をされていますか？ (O-shigoto wa nani o sarete imasu ka?) – oh-shee-goh-toh wah nah-nee oh sah-reh-teh ee-mahss kah?

This means “What work do you do?” in a polite way.

“O-shigoto” is a respectful term for “work” or “job,” and “sarete imasu ka” is a polite way to ask “are you doing?”

It’s a polite question to ask when getting to know someone professionally.

Avoid using too casual phrasing in formal contexts.

Example: “私は先生をしております” means “I am a teacher.”

This phrase helps build rapport respectfully.

12. 私は[Job]をしております (Watashi wa [Job] o shite orimasu) – wah-tah-shee wah [Job] oh sh-teh oh-ree-mahss

Use this to say “I work as a [Job].”

“Shite orimasu” is a humble and polite way to say “I am doing.”

For example, “Watashi wa enjinia o shite orimasu” means “I am an engineer.”

It’s appropriate in formal situations and shows modesty.

Practice different job titles to expand your vocabulary.

This phrase fits well in interviews or business meetings.

13. どうぞよろしくお願いいたします、これからお世話になります (Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu, kore kara osewa ni narimasu) – doh-zo yo-ro-shi-ku oh-neh-gai ee-tah-shee-mahss, koh-reh kah-rah oh-seh-wah nee nah-ree-mahss

This phrase means “Please take care of me from now on” and is used when joining a new group or workplace.

It expresses gratitude and readiness to be supported.

Perfect for new employees or students.

Adding this phrase shows humility and appreciation.

It’s a respectful way to acknowledge future help.

Try practicing it slowly to master the pronunciation.

14. 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu) – shee-tsu-reh-ee shee-mahss

This means “Excuse me” or “Pardon me” and is used when entering or leaving a room.

It’s a polite way to acknowledge you might be interrupting.

It’s also used at the end of formal conversations.

Avoid skipping this phrase in formal interactions.

It shows respect for others’ space and time.

Simple but essential for polite behavior.

15. どうぞお先に (Douzo osaki ni) – doh-zo oh-sah-kee nee

This phrase means “Please go ahead” and is used to politely let someone pass first.

It’s a common courtesy in Japanese culture.

Use it in formal and casual situations to show politeness.

Avoid rushing or interrupting without this phrase.

It helps maintain harmony in social settings.

Practice it to sound thoughtful and considerate.

16. お名前を教えていただけますか？ (O-namae o oshiete itadakemasu ka?) – oh-nah-mah-eh oh oh-shee-eh-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah?

This is a very polite way to ask, “May I have your name?”

“O-namae” is a respectful way to say “name,” and “itadakemasu ka” is a humble request form.

Use this when you want to be especially courteous.

Avoid casual phrases in formal introductions for respect.

It’s great when meeting someone important or older.

Using this phrase shows your politeness and good manners.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 俺は[Name]だよ (Ore wa [Name] da yo) – oh-reh wah [Name] dah yoh

This is a very casual, masculine way to say “I’m [Name].”

“Ore” is a masculine “I,” “da” is the casual form of “desu,” and “yo” adds emphasis.

Use it only with close friends or peers.

It’s not polite, so avoid in formal or new situations.

Example: “Ore wa Taro da yo” means “I’m Taro.”

Great for sounding like a native but only in the right context.

18. 私、[Name]って言うの (Watashi, [Name] tte iu no) – wah-tah-shee, [Name] teh ee-oo noh

This is a casual and friendly way to say “I’m called [Name].”

“Tte iu no” means “called” and is often used in informal speech.

It’s common among young people or in relaxed contexts.

Keep the tone light and cheerful.

Example: “Watashi, Emi tte iu no.”

This phrase feels natural and approachable.

19. よろしくね (Yoroshiku ne) – yo-ro-shi-ku neh

This is a casual, friendly version of “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.”

Adding “ne” softens it and makes it sound warm.

Use it with friends or peers to say “Nice to meet you” or “Let’s get along.”

It’s informal, so avoid in formal situations.

Great for making introductions feel relaxed and genuine.

Try it when chatting with classmates or coworkers you know well.

20. 元気？ (Genki?) – gen-kee?

This means “How are you?” in a very casual way.

“Genki” means “healthy” or “well,” and the question is implied by the tone.

Use this with friends or people you know well.

It’s too casual for strangers or formal settings.

Example: “Genki?” after introductions to check in.

It keeps the mood light and friendly.

21. まあまあかな (Maa maa kana) – mahh mahh kah-nah

This phrase means “So-so” or “Not bad” and is often used to answer “Genki?”

It’s a casual, native-like way to respond honestly but noncommittally.

Use it with friends or peers.

It’s a useful phrase to sound natural.

Try pairing it with a smile to avoid sounding negative.

Great for casual conversations about wellbeing.

22. どこ出身？ (Doko shusshin?) – doh-koh shoos-shin?

This means “Where are you from?” in very casual speech.

“Shusshin” means “hometown” or “origin.”

It’s shortened and informal, suitable for friends or peers.

Avoid using it with strangers or formal contexts.

Example: “Doko shusshin?” followed by your answer.

It’s a quick question to keep casual chats going.

23. 趣味は？ (Shumi wa?) – shoo-mee wah?

This is a very casual and shortened way to ask “What are your hobbies?”

Just “Shumi wa?” is common among friends.

It’s simple and quick, but not polite for formal situations.

Use it to keep conversations light and fun.

Great for chatting with classmates or coworkers.

Try it to sound natural in casual talk.

24. 日本語、ちょっとだけ話せるよ (Nihongo, chotto dake hanaseru yo) – nee-hon-go, choht-toh dah-keh hah-nah-seh-roo yoh

This means “I can speak a little Japanese.”

“Chotto dake” means “just a little,” and “hanaseru” means “can speak.”

It’s a humble and friendly way to share your skill level.

Use it to invite patience and understanding.

Example: “Nihongo, chotto dake hanaseru yo.”

Perfect for casual introductions with native speakers.

Concluding Thought

Learning these 24 essential Japanese phrases for self-introductions is a beautiful first step into the language and culture.

They will help you build connections, show respect, and express yourself with confidence in any setting.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy every new conversation that comes your way!