This workshop helps you speak a simple polite self-introduction in Japanese. You will listen to short recorded lines and repeat them, then choose the right reply in a guided exchange. The focus is on the pattern 'watashi wa ... desu' for name, nationality, and student role, plus the greeting 'hajimemashite' and the closing 'yoroshiku onegai shimasu'. You can play both speaker roles with the recordings, but there is no automatic assessment. Use the answer checks to compare your speaking with the recorded models.
Polite self-introduction pattern
In Japanese, a polite self-introduction often starts with 'hajimemashite' and then gives your name with 'watashi wa ... desu'. The topic marker 'wa' comes after 'watashi', and 'desu' makes the sentence polite. For nationality, add 'jin' to a country name. For a student role, use 'gakusei'. The recorded line «わたしはユキです。» means 'I am Yuki.' The recorded line «はじめまして。» means 'Nice to meet you.' The recorded line «わたしはアメリカじんです。» means 'I am American.' The recorded line «わたしはがくせいです。» means 'I am a student.' Notice that Japanese does not need 'a' before 'student'. Practice each line slowly, then at a natural speed.
Two-person exchange with recorded lines
A simple exchange has two speakers. Speaker A greets and gives a name, then Speaker B greets and gives a name. After that, Speaker A can add a role and a closing phrase, and Speaker B can reply with a similar closing. The recorded line «はじめまして。わたしはユキです。» means 'Nice to meet you. I am Yuki.' The recorded line «はじめまして。わたしはケンです。» means 'Nice to meet you. I am Ken.' The recorded line «わたしはがくせいです。よろしくおねがいします。» means 'I am a student. I look forward to knowing you.' The recorded line «こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいします。» means 'Likewise, I look forward to knowing you.' When you practice, say both roles. Pause after each recorded line and copy the rhythm and politeness.
Choosing the right reply
When someone introduces themselves, you can reply with a greeting and your own name. If they say 'hajimemashite' and give a name, you can say 'hajimemashite' and give your name. If they add 'yoroshiku onegai shimasu', you can reply with 'kochira koso, yoroshiku onegai shimasu'. The recorded line «こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいします。» means 'Likewise, I look forward to knowing you.' This reply shows you return the polite closing. In this workshop, you do not need to invent new phrases. Use only the recorded lines as your models. Listen, repeat, and then test yourself with the exercises below.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
わたしはユキです。
I am Yuki.
watashi wa Yuki desu.
はじめまして。
Nice to meet you. / How do you do?
hajimemashite.
わたしはアメリカじんです。
I am American.
watashi wa Amerika-jin desu.
わたしはがくせいです。
I am a student.
watashi wa gakusei desu.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
はじめまして。わたしはユキです。
Nice to meet you. I am Yuki.はじめまして。わたしはケンです。
Nice to meet you. I am Ken.わたしはがくせいです。よろしくおねがいします。
I am a student. I look forward to knowing you.こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいします。
Likewise, I look forward to knowing you.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: greet and give your name
You will play both roles in a first-meeting exchange. Use the recorded lines as your model. Imagine you are Speaker A and then Speaker B.
Your task: First, listen to «はじめまして。わたしはユキです。» and repeat it as Speaker A. Then listen to «はじめまして。わたしはケンです。» and repeat it as Speaker B. Next, listen to «わたしはがくせいです。よろしくおねがいします。» and repeat it as Speaker A. Finally, listen to «こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいします。» and repeat it as Speaker B. Record yourself if possible and compare with the model.
Reply comprehension: choose the matching response
You will hear or read a line from one speaker and choose the best reply from the recorded options. This checks if you understand the role of each line.
Your task: Speaker A says «はじめまして。わたしはユキです。». Which recorded line is the best reply from Speaker B? Choose from «はじめまして。わたしはケンです。» or «こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいします。». Then Speaker A says «わたしはがくせいです。よろしくおねがいします。». Which recorded line is the best reply from Speaker B? Choose from «はじめまして。わたしはケンです。» or «こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいします。». Say your chosen line aloud.
Recall the recorded exchange
Replay the four dialogue clips in order, then cover their text. Keep the two speakers in the same roles throughout the exchange.
Your task: Say all four recorded lines from memory, alternating A, B, A, B. After one attempt, compare with the complete model below. If practising with a partner, exchange parts and keep the same conversation order.
Common questions
Do I need to use my real name and nationality in this practice?
No. You can use the recorded names and nationalities as models. The goal is to practice the polite pattern 'watashi wa ... desu' and the greeting and closing phrases. When you feel ready, you can replace the name or nationality with your own, but this workshop only tests the recorded lines.
What is the difference between 'hajimemashite' and 'yoroshiku onegai shimasu'?
'Hajimemashite' is used when you meet someone for the first time. 'Yoroshiku onegai shimasu' is a polite closing phrase that shows you look forward to a good relationship. In the recorded exchange, «はじめまして。わたしはユキです。» and «はじめまして。わたしはケンです。» use 'hajimemashite' at the start, and «わたしはがくせいです。よろしくおねがいします。» and «こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいします。» use 'yoroshiku onegai shimasu' at the end.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: introducing yourself nameChecked September 2026
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Take today's Japanese into a conversation with a Yapr AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr