The current page introduces basic self-introduction phrases for greeting a new Japanese person for the first time, as well as how to greet someone in everyday Japanese conversation.
Basic greeting
はじ
初めまして。
Nice to meet you.
hqjimemashite
I will use it when I meet for the first time.
In fact, the literal translation of this word is “first time.” Roughly speaking, this word means “I am meeting you for the first time. However, since it is a rather odd way to say it in English, it is almost always translated as “Nice to meet to you.” Note that Tommy is repeating the phrase nice to meet you again. This word is a necessity for self-introductions. This word can be treated as a codicil that you need to remember when meeting new people.
スティーブです。
I’m Steve.
Steve desu
Use this to tell the other person your name.
Daily greetings
In Japan, greetings change depending on the time of day. Say “Good morning” in the morning, “Hello” during the day, and “Good evening” at night.
Daily greetings
こんにちは。
Hello.
ko n ni chi wa
Morning greeting
おはようございます!
Good Morning!
o ha yo u go za i ma su
“おはようございますohayougozaimasu” is a bit self-explanatory. You’ll be greeted with this phrase in the morning by staff at your hotel. or in stores. Be sure to reciprocate the greeting, and slightly bow your head in reurn! See my guide for usingcorrect etiquette in Japan.
Evening greetings
こんばんは。
Good Evening.
ko n ba n wa
Greetings at night or before going to bed
おやすみなさい。
Good Night.
o ya su mi na sa i
すみません。
Sorry. (meaning to speak to you, not to apologize)
su mi ma se n
Use it when you apologize, thank you, or when you call someone you don’t know. It is a nuanced word close to “Excuse me.”
When giving a formal greeting, it is appropriate to stop and bow. The expressions used in greetings vary depending on the recipient.
Refarence →
Self-introduction
はじめまして。
Nice to meet you.
ha ji me ma shi te
This is a greeting to the person I met for the first time.
ジェームズです。
My name is James.
James desu
Use this when you want to convey your name.
よ
ジミーと呼んでください。
Please call me Jimmy.
Jimmy to yonde kudasai
き
L.A.から来ました。
I’m from L.A.
L.A.kara kimashita
Use this when you want to tell people where you are from.