Check out the Dialogue, "Introducing People".
Cultural Notes
The Japanese mention the family name first when using full names. For example, with the name Kimura Ichirou, Ichirou is the given name and Kimura is the family name. The Japanese do not have middle names. Everyone knows that people in Western countries put the given name first, so you can introduce yourself without reversing your name. Outside their families or circle of closest friends, Japanese adults are rarely addressed by their given names, even by neighbors or co-workers. Learn about common Japanese surnames.
Vocabulary and Expressions
Click the link to hear the pronunciation.
| Konnichiwa. こんにちは。 | Hello, Good afternoon |
| kochira こちら | this person (It is used when introducing someone.) |
| watashi 私 | I (Learn more about personal pronouns.) |
| tomodachi 友達 | friend |
| Hajimemashite. はじめまして。 | How do you do? (It is used when meeting for the first time.) |
| Douzo yoroshiku. どうぞよろしく。 | Nice to meet you. |
| gakusei 学生 | student |
| hai はい | yes (Learn more about "hai.") |
| go-senmon ご専門 | someone else's field of study ("Go" is for politeness.) |
| keizai 経済 | economics |
| anata あなた | you |
| iie | no |
| hisho 秘書 | secretary |
| Sou desu ka. そうですか。 | I see. (It is pronounced with falling intonation. With rising intonation, it becomes a question.) |
