Here we will guide you through the fundamentals of delivering a proper Japanese style self introduction (hint: it's not just saying your name), called a Jikoshokai, and offer tips on how to elevate your self-introduction skills to the next level.
A Jikoshokai (自己紹介, じこしょうかい) is a Japanese self-introduction, often used in both formal and informal settings. It typically includes basic personal information such as your name, age, where you are from, your occupation or role, and sometimes a few personal interests or hobbies. In professional or educational environments, like schools, a Jikoshokai is an important way to introduce yourself to colleagues, students, and others, helping to establish rapport and foster better communication.
Lets start by breaking down the basics:
1. Greeting (あいさつ - Aisatsu)
- Begin with a polite greeting. Common phrases include:
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) - Good afternoon
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) - Good morning
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) - Good evening
2. Name (名前 - Namae)
- State your name. You can use the structure:
- 私は [your name] です (Watashi wa [your name] desu) - I am [your name]
- Example: 私は ジョン・スミス です (Watashi wa Jon Sumisu desu) - I am John Smith
3. Origin (出身 - Shusshin)
- Mention where you are from. The structure is:
- [Country/city] から来ました ([Country/city] kara kimashita) - I come from [country/city]
- Example: アメリカから来ました (Amerika kara kimashita) - I come from America
4. Occupation (職業 - Shokugyou)
- Share your occupation. The structure is:
- [Occupation] です ([Occupation] desu) - I am a [occupation]
- Example: 学生です (Gakusei desu) - I am a student
5. Hobbies/Interests (趣味 - Shumi)
- Mention a few hobbies or interests. The structure is:
- 私の趣味は [hobbies/interests] です (Watashi no shumi wa [hobbies/interests] desu) - My hobbies are [hobbies/interests]
- Example: 私の趣味は読書と旅行です (Watashi no shumi wa dokusho to ryokou desu) - My hobbies are reading and traveling
6. Closing (締めの言葉 - Shime no kotoba)
- End with a polite phrase such as:
- よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) - Please treat me favorably
- どうぞよろしくお願いします (Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu) - Please treat me favorably (more polite)
Now lets start putting it all together. For the first example, John Smith from the United States will be introducing himself. He is a student that likes reading and traveling.
こんにちは。
Konnichiwa.
Hello
私はジョン・スミスです。
Watashi wa Jon Sumisu desu
My Name is John Smith.
アメリカから来ました。
Amerika kara kimashita
I am from America.
学生です。
Gakusei desu
I am a student.
私の趣味は読書と旅行です。
Watashi no shumi wa dokusho to ryokou desu.
My hobbies are reading and traveling.
どうぞよろしくお願いします。
Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu
Please treat me favorably (Nice to meet you)
Lets take out John Smith's information and replace it with your own to build your very own basic Jikoshokai:
こんにちは。
Konnichiwa.
Hello
私は (Your Name) です。
Watashi wa (Your Name) desu
My name is (Your Name).
(Your Country) から来ました。
(Your Country) kara kimashita
I am from (Your Country).
(Your Occupation) です。 *
(Your Occupation) desu
I am a (Your Occupation).
私の趣味は (Hobby 1) と (Hobby 2) です。 **
Watashi no shumi wa (Hobby 1) to (Hobby 2) desu.
My hobbies are (Hobby 1) and (Hobby 2).
どうぞよろしくお願いします。
Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu
Please treat me favorably (Nice to meet you)
*Your Occupation might be something like student, teacher, engineer, office worker, etc
**Use と (to) to link multiple hobbies, but take it away if only listing one hobby
Now that you have your basic self introduction down, lets try to expand it a bit and make it a little better. Here are some common things that can be added to a Jikoshokai that can help you start to level it up.
1. Additional Personal Details
Share more about your background, such as your hometown or specific interests.
For example:
私はニューヨーク市のブルックリン出身です
Watashi wa nyū yōku-shi no burukkurin shusshin desu
I am from Brooklyn, New York City
2. More on Interests and Hobbies
Go into detail about your hobbies or why you enjoy them.
For Example:
私は特に歴史小説を読むのが好きです
Watashi wa toku ni rekishi shōsetsu o yomu no ga suki desu
I especially like reading historical novels
3. Professional or Academic Background
Talk about your professional background or field of study.
For Example:
経営学を専攻しています
Keieigaku o senkō shiteimasu
I am majoring in business administration
4. Future Aspirations
Mention your goals or aspirations.
For Example:
将来は日本で働きたいと思っています
(Shōrai wa Nihon de hatarakitai to omotteimasu
In the future, I hope to work in Japan
5. Cultural Exchange Interests
Express your interest in learning more about Japanese culture or language.
For Example:
日本文化にとても興味があります
Nihon bunka ni totemo kyōmi ga arimasu
I am very interested in Japanese culture