Lesson 6. お名前は何ですか

In Lesson 2, we studied the expression “これは何ですか” (Kore wa nan desu ka), which translates to “What is this?” in English.

けいかん

これは何ですか。(Lesson 2)

korewa nandesu ka

What is this?

If we replace “これ” (kore) with “お名前” (onamae), it becomes an expression for asking someone’s name.

けいかん

お名前は何ですか。

onamae wa nandesu ka

What is your name?

When stating your name in English, you use “〜です。”.

おとこ

ネイサンです。

neisan desu

I’m Nathan.

More precisely, you say, “私の名前は〜です。”. However, in Japanese, when the subject is clear from the context, it is common to omit the subject. In actual conversations, when introducing oneself, it is common to simply say, “〜です。”.

倉田ゆり

私の名前は倉田ゆりです。

watashi no namae wa kurata yuri desu

My name is Yuri Kurata.

In more formal situations, such as in business settings, you might also use a more formal expression like “〜と申します。(~to mōshimasu)”.

石田さとる

石田と申します。

ishida to mōshimasu.

My name is Ishida.

Note

In Japan, when people mention names, the surname comes first, followed by the given name. There’s no middle name.

石田 (surname) さとる(given name)

石田さとる

私の名前は石田さとるです。

watashi no namae wa ishida satoru desu

My name is Satoru Ishida.

In close relationships, like with family or close friends, people often use first names. However, when meeting someone for the first time or in formal situations, the last name is usually used. It’s considered impolite to call just name, so we always add “さん” for politeness.

倉田ゆり

石田さん、よろしくおねがいします。

ishida san, yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Nice to meet you, Mr. Ishida

石田さとる

よろしくおねがいします、倉田さん。

yoroshiku onegaishimasu, kurata san

Nice to meet you, Ms. Kurata.

Similar to the usage, “おねがします” (L4), it is also employed when making requests or asking for favors. Adding “よろしく” enhances the politeness of the expression.

Adding “どうぞ” before “よろしくおねがいします” makes the expression even more polite.

おとこ

どうぞ、よろしくおねがいします。

dōzo, yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Nice to meet you.

While “よろしく” alone is sometimes used, it’s important to note that this is typically in more casual or familiar relationships. Exercise caution and be mindful of the level of formality appropriate for the situation.

みか

みかです。よろしく！

mika desu, yoroshiku

I’m Mika. Nice to meet you!