How to Say “My Name Is” in Japanese: 5 Essential Phrases + Cultural Tips

Introducing yourself is the foundation of any conversation in Japanese. Whether you're traveling to Japan, meeting Japanese colleagues, or just beginning your language learning journey, knowing how to say "my name is" properly can make a strong first impression.

In this guide, you'll learn the most common ways to introduce yourself in Japanese, when to use each variation, and important cultural nuances that will help you sound natural and respectful.

The Standard Way: Watashi wa [Name] desu

The most common and universally appropriate way to say "my name is" in Japanese is:

私は[Name]です。 Watashi wa [Name] desu.

This phrase breaks down into three parts:

• Watashi (私) means "I" or "me"
• wa (は) is a particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• desu (です) is a polite copula meaning "am/is/are"

Literally translated, this means "I am [Name]" or "As for me, I am [Name]."

Example: If your name is Sarah, you would say: 私はサラです。 Watashi wa Sara desu.

This version works in almost any situation and is polite enough for business settings while being casual enough for everyday encounters. If you're curious about how your own name would be written in Japanese characters, you can use our Japanese name converter tool to see the katakana representation instantly.

Five Common Variations for Different Situations

1. The Formal Introduction: Watashi no namae wa [Name] desu

私の名前は[Name]です。 Watashi no namae wa [Name] desu.

This translates directly to "My name is [Name]." While perfectly correct, it's slightly more formal and explicit than the standard introduction. Use this in:

• Formal business meetings
• Official introductions
• When filling out forms verbally
• Academic or professional settings

2. The Casual Version: Boku wa [Name]

僕は[Name]。 Boku wa [Name].

Young men often use boku (僕) instead of watashi in casual settings. This is:

• Used primarily by males
• Appropriate among friends, classmates, or peers
• Less formal (notice the lack of "desu")
• Common in everyday conversations

3. The Ultra-Casual: [Name] tte iu

[Name]っていう。 [Name] tte iu.

This extremely casual form means something like "I'm called [Name]" and is used:

• Among close friends
• By younger people in informal settings
• In very relaxed social situations
• Never in professional contexts

4. The Complete Formal Introduction: [Last Name] to moushimasu

[Last Name]と申します。 [Last Name] to moushimasu.

This is the most formal way to introduce yourself, using the humble verb moushimasu (申します) instead of the standard copula. Use this when:

• Meeting clients or superiors
• Attending formal ceremonies
• Making business introductions
• Showing maximum respect

Important cultural note: In Japan, family names come first, so you would typically introduce yourself with your last name in formal situations.

5. The Friendly Middle Ground: [Name] to iimasu

[Name]と言います。 [Name] to iimasu.

This phrase means "I am called [Name]" and strikes a balance between formal and casual. It's widely used in:

• Meeting new acquaintances
• Social gatherings
• Casual business situations
• When you want to sound friendly but respectful

Pronunciation Guide

Getting the pronunciation right will help you sound more natural. Here are some key points:

Watashi: wah-tah-shee (not "wah-tah-she") Desu: dess (the "u" is almost silent) Namae: nah-mah-eh Moushimasu: moh-shee-mass Iimasu: ee-mass

Japanese pronunciation is generally straightforward because each syllable is pronounced consistently. The key is to give each syllable equal weight and avoid stressing any particular syllable the way you might in English.

Cultural Context: First Names vs. Last Names

Understanding when to use your first name versus your last name is crucial in Japanese culture:

Use your last name when:

• In business or professional settings
• Meeting someone for the first time in formal contexts
• Introducing yourself to elders or superiors
• Using the formal "moushimasu" introduction

Use your first name when:

• In casual social settings
• With friends or peers
• When specifically asked "What's your first name?"
• In creative or international environments where first names are standard

Many Japanese people will add the honorific san (さん) after your name, which is roughly equivalent to Mr., Ms., or Mrs. but is gender-neutral and used more broadly. Don't use "san" with your own name when introducing yourself.

Before your trip to Japan or your first Japanese conversation, it's helpful to know how your name appears in Japanese script. You can convert your name to Japanese characters to practice writing and pronouncing it correctly.

Adding "Nice to Meet You"

After introducing yourself, it's polite to add:

よろしくお願いします。 Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

This phrase has no direct English translation but conveys "Please treat me well" or "I look forward to working with you." It's standard in Japanese introductions and shows good manners.

A complete introduction might sound like:

私は田中です。よろしくお願いします。 Watashi wa Tanaka desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu. "I'm Tanaka. Nice to meet you / Please treat me kindly."

Gender Differences in Self-Introduction

Japanese has different first-person pronouns that carry different connotations:

Watashi (私) - Neutral and safe for everyone, used by all genders in formal situations Boku (僕) - Used primarily by males, casual to semi-formal Ore (俺) - Used by males, very casual and masculine Atashi (あたし) - Used by females, casual and feminine

For learners, sticking with watashi is always the safest choice regardless of your gender, as it's universally appropriate and polite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't say "My name is" in English word order: Japanese grammar places the verb at the end, so thinking in English word order can confuse you.

Don't overuse "namae wa": While correct, constantly saying "watashi no namae wa" can sound overly formal or textbook-like. The simpler "watashi wa [name] desu" is more natural.

Don't use "san" with your own name: Adding "san" to your own name when introducing yourself is incorrect and can sound odd.

Don't forget the bow: In Japanese culture, a slight bow usually accompanies the verbal introduction, especially in formal settings.

Don't mispronounce your own name: When introducing yourself in Japanese, your name will typically be written in katakana script. Visit our name conversion tool to learn the proper katakana spelling and pronunciation of your name before your introduction.

Practice Scenarios

Scenario 1: Meeting a business client 田中と申します。よろしくお願いします。 Tanaka to moushimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

Scenario 2: Casual introduction at a party 僕は健です。よろしく！ Boku wa Ken desu. Yoroshiku!

Scenario 3: Standard polite introduction 私はスミスです。どうぞよろしくお願いします。 Watashi wa Sumisu desu. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

Preparing Your Japanese Introduction

Before you introduce yourself in Japanese, it's essential to know exactly how your name should be pronounced and written. Western names are typically written in katakana, one of the Japanese writing systems designed specifically for foreign words. Using our free Japanese name converter, you can discover your name's katakana form, which will help you write it correctly on forms, business cards, and when practicing your introduction.

Wrapping Up

Mastering how to say "my name is" in Japanese is your first step toward confident communication. Start with the standard "watashi wa [name] desu" and expand your repertoire as you become more comfortable with different social contexts.

Remember that Japanese culture values humility and respect, so when in doubt, err on the side of formality. As you build relationships, you can gradually shift to more casual language.

The key to sounding natural isn't just memorizing phrases—it's understanding when and how to use them. Practice these variations, pay attention to context, and don't be afraid to introduce yourself. After all, every friendship and professional relationship in Japan starts with these simple words.

Ready to see your name in Japanese? Get your Japanese name conversion and start practicing your introduction today!