01
はじめまして。ケンと申します。よろしくお願いします。
Hajimemashite. Ken to mōshimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
"Nice to meet you. I’m Ken. Please take care of me."
Grammar: Hajimemashite + to mōshimasu + yoroshiku set
Basic Conversations
Japanese Greetings and Self-Introduction Phrases
Meeting classmates for the first time? Learn simple lines for greetings, names, where you’re from and live, how long you’ve studied, and a warm yoroshiku onegaishimasu—with audio and tiny grammar notes.
Making First Impressions at Japanese Language School
You're meeting a new classmate at your Japanese language school for the first time and want to make a good impression
Essential Japanese Self-Introduction and Greeting Phrases
02
はじめまして。サラと申します。よろしくお願いします。
Hajimemashite. Sara to mōshimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
"Nice to meet you. I’m Sarah. Please take care of me."
Grammar: Reply introduction with set closing
03
お名前は何ですか？
O-namae wa nan desu ka?
"What’s your name?"
Grammar: Polite name question with honorific ‘o-’
04
出身はどこですか？
Shusshin wa doko desu ka?
"Where are you from?"
Grammar: Background question (origin)
05
東京のどこに住んでいますか？
Tōkyō no doko ni sundeimasu ka?
"Where do you live in Tokyo?"
Grammar: Location inquiry using 'doko ni' pattern
06
新宿に住んでいます。あなたは？
Shinjuku ni sundeimasu. Anata wa?
"I live in Shinjuku. How about you?"
Grammar: Location statement with reciprocal question
07
渋谷に住んでいます。素敵な場所ですよ。
Shibuya ni sundeimasu. Suteki na basho desu yo.
"I live in Shibuya. It's a nice area."
Grammar: Location description with positive comment
08
どのくらい日本語を勉強していますか？
Dono kurai Nihongo o benkyō shiteimasu ka?
"How long have you been studying Japanese?"
Grammar: Duration inquiry using continuous tense
09
6か月間勉強しています。
Rokkagetsukan benkyō shiteimasu.
"I've been studying for 6 months."
Grammar: Duration expression with continuous action
10
いいですね！一緒に日本語を練習しましょう。
Ii desu ne! Issho ni Nihongo o renshū shimashou.
"That's great! Let's practice Japanese together."
Grammar: Positive response with suggestion using '-mashou'
Japanese Etiquette for First Meetings and Introductions
In Japan, first impressions are extremely important. Using proper greetings and introducing yourself politely shows respect and cultural awareness that Japanese people deeply appreciate.
The phrase 'hajimemashite' (はじめまして) is exclusively used when meeting someone for the first time. Using it incorrectly can make you seem unfamiliar with Japanese customs.
Japanese people often exchange business cards (meishi) during introductions in professional settings, but in casual school environments, verbal introductions with slight bowing are the standard.
When asking someone's name, using 'o-namae' instead of just 'namae' adds politeness and shows cultural sensitivity - a small detail that makes a big impression.
Showing genuine interest in someone's Japanese learning journey is a perfect conversation starter that creates instant connection and mutual understanding.
Japanese Grammar Patterns for Self-Introduction and Greetings
私の名前は[name]ですpolite
Basic self-introduction pattern using 'watashi no namae wa [name] desu'
Standard way to introduce your name in most situations
お名前は何ですか？polite
Polite question pattern using 'o-namae wa nan desu ka'
Respectful way to ask someone's name
どのくらい[verb]ていますか？polite
Duration question pattern using 'dono kurai [verb]-teimasu ka'
Asking how long someone has been doing something
[place]に住んでいますpolite
Location statement pattern using 'ni sundeimasu' (live in/at)
Telling someone where you live or are staying
一緒に[activity]しましょうpolite
Invitation pattern using 'issho ni [activity] shimashou' (let's do together)
Suggesting activities or study sessions with new friends
[name]と申しますpolite
Very polite ‘I’m [name]’, often used right after hajimemashite
Safer than ‘watashi no namae wa…’ in first meetings
[name]って言いますcasual
Casual ‘I’m [name]’
Peers/friendly settings
よろしくお願いしますpolite
Set phrase to close introductions (‘nice to meet you / please be kind to me’)
Always after introducing yourself
Essential Japanese Vocabulary for School and Social Interactions
| Japanese | Romaji | English | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 学生 | gakusei | student | School |
| 先生 | sensei | teacher | School |
| クラス | kurasu | class | School |
| 友達 | tomodachi | friend | Social |
| 日本語学校 | nihongo gakkou | Japanese language school | School |
| 教室 | kyoushitsu | classroom | School |
| 授業 | jugyou | lesson/class | School |
| 勉強 | benkyou | study | Learning |
| 練習 | renshuu | practice | Learning |
| 宿題 | shukudai | homework | Learning |
| 復習 | fukushuu | review | Learning |
| 試験 | shiken | test/exam | Learning |
| 質問 | shitsumon | question | Learning |
| 答え | kotae | answer | Learning |
| 理解 | rikai | understanding | Learning |
| 新宿 | shinjuku | Shinjuku (district) | Places |
| 渋谷 | shibuya | Shibuya (district) | Places |
| 原宿 | harajuku | Harajuku (district) | Places |
| 池袋 | ikebukuro | Ikebukuro (district) | Places |
| 素敵 | suteki | nice/lovely | Adjectives |
| 便利 | benri | convenient | Adjectives |
| 楽しい | tanoshii | fun/enjoyable | Adjectives |
| 難しい | muzukashii | difficult | Adjectives |
| 趣味 | shumi | hobby | Social |
Practical Tips for Successful Japanese Introductions
Cultural
Timing Your Introduction
Japanese students often arrive 5-10 minutes early to class. Use this time for introductions - it's more relaxed than trying to talk during busy breaks or after class.
Watch Out
Avoid Overusing 'Anata' (You)
In Japanese conversations, don't repeatedly use 'anata' (you). After making a statement about yourself, simply pause expectantly instead of saying 'anata wa?'
Example:新宿に住んでいます。あなたは？ → 新宿に住んでいます。[expectant pause]
Tip
Ask About Their Learning Journey
Questions about someone's Japanese study experience instantly create connection. Everyone loves sharing their language learning story and challenges.
Watch Out
Never Drop the 'O' from Names
Always use 'o-namae' when asking someone's name. Saying just 'namae' sounds too direct and potentially rude in introduction contexts.
Example:Wrong: 名前は何ですか？ → Right: お名前は何ですか？
Cultural
Keep 'Hajimemashite' Sacred
Only use 'hajimemashite' for genuine first meetings. Using it when you've met someone before (even briefly) suggests you forgot them - definitely not the impression you want.
Tip
Practice Names and Repeat Back
Don't hesitate to ask people to repeat their names or to say it back for confirmation. Japanese people appreciate when you make an effort to get pronunciation right.