For those who have learned a little Japanese, have you ever introduced yourself by saying “私は〇〇です。 “? I believe that almost every Japanese learner has once used this phrase to give a self-introduction. In fact, it’s a bit weird for Japanese people to hear that.
But why do most Japanese learner talk like that? Here is the answer.
When you open up the textbook of みんなの日本語 (みんなのにほんご) and have a look at the first lesson, it says “わたしはマイク・ミラーです。” In the textbook of 標準日本語 (ひょうじゅんにほんご), it also shows the most basic phrase: わたしは〇〇です. It sounds quite normal for most Japanese learners as most of their languages such as English or Chinese usually starts from the 主語 (しゅご, subject).
This is the first biggest difference between Japanese and other languages. Subjects are usually been getting rid of.
Then, how Japanese people introduce themselves? The answer is simple. Get rid of the subject. You can just say “〇〇です。”
Now, let’s see some more authentic Japanese self-introduction phrases.
- 〇〇です。→ 〇〇de su. → I am 〇〇.
- 〇〇と言います。→ 〇〇to i i ma su. → I am 〇〇. It is more polite.
- 〇〇と申します。→ 〇〇to mo u shi ma su. This is the most polite phrase, usually used to those who are above you such as senior, superior, boss, etc.
Not difficult right. See you next time!