24 Japanese Phrases to Say “Nice to Meet You

Meeting someone new is always a little exciting—and sometimes nerve-wracking. Fortunately, Japanese has plenty of warm ways to say “Nice to meet you” that fit every occasion.

Whether you want to sound casual with friends or polite in a business setting, there’s a perfect phrase waiting for you. These 24 expressions will help you make a great first impression, no matter the context.

Learning these phrases is more than just memorizing words; it’s about connecting with people and showing respect in a culturally meaningful way. Plus, you’ll gain confidence the moment you step into any conversation.

From easy greetings to more nuanced expressions, this list covers everything you need. You’ll also find handy pronunciation guides to make your Japanese sound natural and approachable.

By mastering these phrases, you open the door to new friendships and opportunities. It’s a fun and rewarding way to deepen your understanding of the language and culture.

So, let’s dive in and discover the many ways to say “Nice to meet you” in Japanese—starting now!

Getting Started with Japanese Greetings

Before jumping into the phrases, it’s good to know the basics of Japanese greetings.

Japanese culture values politeness and context, so greetings can change based on the situation. Simple phrases work well with friends, while formal expressions are perfect for work or new acquaintances.

Understanding these nuances helps you use the right phrase and make a better connection.

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

Practice these phrases out loud to get comfortable with the sounds and rhythm of Japanese.

Remember, consistency is key—try greeting locals or friends who know Japanese for quick feedback.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

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

This is the classic and most common way to say “Nice to meet you” in Japanese.

It literally means “for the first time,” making it perfect when you meet someone new. It’s polite but not overly formal, so it fits both casual and semi-formal situations.

Use it right at the start of introductions to signal friendliness and respect.

It’s like saying, “Hey, this is our first time meeting!” in a warm way.

You can follow it up with your name and a simple phrase like よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) to add “Please treat me well.”

Mastering はじめまして is a great first step to sounding natural in Japanese introductions.

2. よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – Yo-ro-shi-ku o-ne-gai-shi-ma-su

This phrase is often paired with はじめまして and means “Please treat me well” or “I look forward to working with you.”

It’s a bit formal but used very commonly in all kinds of introductions, especially in work or school settings. Practicing it daily helps you sound polite and sincere.

Key detail: don’t overuse it in casual chats, as it’s best reserved for new or important relationships.

For example, after saying your name, you might say, “よろしくお願いします” to express good intentions.

It’s a versatile phrase that shows humility and respect, making a strong positive impression.

Once you’re comfortable with this, you’ll find your Japanese sounds much more polished and friendly.

3. どうぞよろしく (Douzo yoroshiku) – Doh-zo yo-ro-shi-ku

A shorter, more casual version of よろしくお願いします, this phrase means “Nice to meet you” or “Please be kind to me.”

It’s great for informal introductions with peers or new acquaintances where the full phrase might feel too stiff.

Use this when you want to sound friendly but not overly formal.

It’s a handy phrase that keeps things light and pleasant.

Often heard among friends or informal meetings, it’s a must-know for relaxed social settings.

Pair it with your name and a smile for a natural introduction.

4. 初めてお会いします (Hajimete o ai shimasu) – Ha-ji-me-te o a-i shi-ma-su

This phrase means “This is our first meeting” and is slightly more formal than はじめまして.

It’s perfect for business or formal social introductions where you want to emphasize the first encounter politely.

It’s less common in casual speech but great to know for professional settings.

Make sure to pronounce it smoothly to keep the tone respectful.

You might use it alongside a formal bow or handshake.

It shows attentiveness to social etiquette and respect for the other person.

5. お会いできてうれしいです (Oai dekite ureshii desu) – O-a-i de-ki-te u-re-shii de-su

This means “I’m happy to meet you,” adding warmth and genuine feeling to your greeting.

It’s polite and a bit more expressive, making it ideal when you want to show enthusiasm.

Use it after introductions to make a friendly connection.

Don’t overuse it in casual chats, as it’s more heartfelt and formal.

Adding this phrase helps your Japanese sound more heartfelt and engaging.

It’s a great way to show your excitement about meeting someone new.

6. よろしくね (Yoroshiku ne) – Yo-ro-shi-ku ne

A super casual and friendly way to say “Nice to meet you” or “Please be good to me.”

Great for use with peers, younger people, or new friends you want to keep things light with.

Adding the ね (ne) softens the tone, making it sound approachable.

Watch out: it’s too informal for business or formal introductions.

You might say it after introductions when you want to sound relaxed and friendly.

Perfect for social situations where formality isn’t necessary.

7. ご挨拶させていただきます (Go-aisatsu sasete itadakimasu) – Go-ai-sa-tsu sa-se-te i-ta-da-ki-ma-su

This very polite phrase means “Allow me to greet you” and is perfect for formal events or business meetings.

It shows humility and respect, making it great when you want to impress in professional settings.

It’s a bit long, so practice the rhythm to sound natural.

Avoid using it in casual conversations, as it’s too formal.

Pair it with a bow and eye contact for maximum politeness.

Using this phrase signals you take the meeting seriously and respect the other person.

8. はじめまして、どうぞよろしく (Hajimemashite, douzo yoroshiku) – Ha-ji-me-ma-shi-te, do-u-zo yo-ro-shi-ku

This combines the classic はじめまして with the casual よろしく, making it a versatile greeting.

It works well when you want to be polite but keep the tone friendly and approachable.

Good for both new friends and casual business introductions.

Make sure to pronounce both phrases clearly and smoothly.

It’s an easy way to cover your bases in almost any meeting.

Try practicing this combo to boost your confidence in new encounters.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 初対面でございます (Shotaimen de gozaimasu) – Sho-tai-men de go-za-i-ma-su

This phrase means “This is our first meeting” with a very polite tone.

Use it in formal business settings or when meeting someone important for the first time.

It’s more reserved and respectful than casual phrases.

Pronunciation should be measured and clear to convey professionalism.

It’s less common in casual speech but essential for formal introductions.

Perfect for making a strong, respectful first impression.

10. お目にかかれて光栄です (O-me ni kakarete kouei desu) – O-me ni ka-ka-re-te ko-u-e-i de-su

This means “It’s an honor to meet you,” showing deep respect.

It’s used in very formal or business contexts when you want to express admiration and politeness.

Try to keep your tone humble and sincere when saying this.

It’s not for casual use—reserve it for important meetings.

Pair it with a respectful bow to maximize impact.

Using this phrase signals you value the relationship highly.

11. お会いできて光栄です (Oai dekite kouei desu) – O-a-i de-ki-te ko-u-e-i de-su

Similar to the previous phrase, this means “I’m honored to meet you.”

It’s formal but slightly more conversational, good for business introductions.

It expresses respect without sounding too stiff.

Keep your tone polite but approachable.

Useful for networking events or formal social gatherings.

It helps build respect and trust right away.

12. どうぞよろしくお願いいたします (Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) – Do-u-zo yo-ro-shi-ku o-ne-ga-i i-ta-shi-ma-su

This is a very polite and humble way to say よろしくお願いします.

It’s perfect for formal emails, speeches, or business meetings.

Practice saying it smoothly to avoid sounding robotic.

Don’t use it casually—it emphasizes respect and professionalism.

It’s often the closing phrase after introductions or requests.

Using this phrase shows your serious intent to build a positive relationship.

13. ご縁をいただきありがとうございます (Goen wo itadaki arigatou gozaimasu) – Go-en wo i-ta-da-ki a-ri-ga-to-u go-za-i-ma-su

This means “Thank you for the connection” or “I appreciate this opportunity to meet you.”

It’s formal and expresses gratitude for the new relationship.

It’s especially useful in business or networking events.

Be sure to say it sincerely to convey genuine appreciation.

It can be said after introductions or meetings.

Using this phrase leaves a memorable, positive impression.

14. 何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます (Nanitodzu yoroshiku onegai moushiagemasu) – Na-ni-to-zo yo-ro-shi-ku o-ne-ga-i mo-u-shi-a-ge-ma-su

This extremely formal phrase means “I humbly ask for your favor.”

It’s used in official letters or very formal introductions.

Perfect for showing utmost respect and humility.

Don’t use this phrase in casual or everyday situations.

Its length and complexity require careful pronunciation.

It’s a powerful phrase to express deep respect and request goodwill.

15. お世話になります (Osewa ni narimasu) – O-se-wa ni na-ri-ma-su

This phrase means “Thank you for your support” or “I’m in your care.”

It’s often said when starting a new job or collaboration.

Use it to show appreciation and politeness at the start of a relationship.

It’s polite but not overly formal.

It sets a positive tone and shows you value mutual help.

Practice it for smooth, respectful greetings in professional settings.

16. 今後ともよろしくお願いいたします (Kongo tomo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) – Kon-go to-mo yo-ro-shi-ku o-ne-ga-i i-ta-shi-ma-su

This phrase means “I look forward to your continued support.”

It’s used to maintain good relations after meeting someone new.

Perfect for closing emails or conversations politely.

It implies a desire for a long-term relationship.

Don’t overuse it in casual chats.

It’s an excellent phrase for business and formal social settings.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. よろしく！ (Yoroshiku!) – Yo-ro-shi-ku

A super casual, short form of よろしくお願いします.

Used among close friends or younger people when meeting or starting something together.

It’s friendly, quick, and easy to say.

Avoid using it in formal situations.

It’s great for casual meetups or group projects.

Perfect for sounding natural with peers.

18. 初めまして！よろしく！ (Hajimemashite! Yoroshiku!) – Ha-ji-me-ma-shi-te! Yo-ro-shi-ku

Combines the classic greeting with a casual “よろしく.”

Perfect for informal situations where you want to sound friendly and approachable.

It feels natural and welcoming.

Great for social events or casual introductions.

Pair it with a smile to make a good impression.

It’s a simple way to blend politeness with casual warmth.

19. はじめまして、よろしくね！ (Hajimemashite, yoroshiku ne!) – Ha-ji-me-ma-shi-te, yo-ro-shi-ku ne

This adds a soft, friendly tone with ね (ne) at the end.

It’s perfect for casual meetups or making friends.

The ね makes it sound inviting and easygoing.

Avoid using this tone in formal business meetings.

Use it when you want to sound approachable and kind.

It helps build warmth right from the start.

20. よろしくお願いしますね！ (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu ne!) – Yo-ro-shi-ku o-ne-ga-i-shi-ma-su ne

Adding ね to the polite phrase softens it for friendly but respectful situations.

It’s great when you want to be polite but not stiff.

Use it in school or club settings with new people.

It’s a nice balance of formality and friendliness.

Avoid overusing it in very formal settings.

It’s perfect for everyday polite greetings with a warm touch.

21. はじめまして、よろしくお願いいたします！ (Hajimemashite, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu!) – Ha-ji-me-ma-shi-te, yo-ro-shi-ku o-ne-ga-i i-ta-shi-ma-su

A polite and humble way to say “Nice to meet you” formally.

Good for job interviews or formal events.

Practice the phrase to sound smooth and respectful.

It’s a great phrase to impress in professional settings.

Make sure to bow slightly when you say it.

It shows that you’re serious and courteous.

22. お初にお目にかかります (Ohatsu ni ome ni kakarimasu) – O-ha-tsu ni o-me ni ka-ka-ri-ma-su

A very formal phrase meaning “It’s our first meeting.”

Common in traditional business or formal social introductions.

Pronunciation should be careful and polite.

It’s best reserved for formal events.

Use it with a respectful bow to make a good impression.

It signals you respect tradition and protocol.

23. はじめまして！元気？ (Hajimemashite! Genki?) – Ha-ji-me-ma-shi-te! Gen-ki?

This casual greeting means “Nice to meet you! How are you?”

Perfect for informal social situations with peers.

It sounds friendly and approachable.

Don’t use it in formal or business contexts.

Great for breaking the ice quickly.

It shows enthusiasm and friendliness right away.

24. 久しぶり！はじめまして！ (Hisashiburi! Hajimemashite!) – Hi-sa-shi-bu-ri! Ha-ji-me-ma-shi-te

Literally “Long time no see! Nice to meet you!” this phrase works when reconnecting after a long period.

It’s casual and warm, blending reunion with introduction vibes.

Use it with friends or acquaintances you haven’t seen in a while.

It’s not suitable for formal settings.

Adds a personal touch to your greeting.

Perfect for friendly catch-ups that feel fresh and sincere.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 24 Japanese phrases reveals how rich and varied greetings can be. Each expression carries its own nuance, helping you connect in the right way.

Whether casual or formal, these phrases show respect, warmth, and friendliness—key elements in Japanese communication.

So go ahead, try them out, and watch your new conversations bloom with genuine connection and confidence!