Japanese Names and Introductions Guide
Learning how to say your name in Japanese Asking others for their name politely Year 9 Japanese Language
Basic Introduction: Saying Your Name
わたしは [Your name] です (Watashi wa [name] desu) Polite way to say 'I am...' Use です (desu) for formal situations Practice with your own name
Practice Activity: Name Chain
Student 1: わたしは [name] です Student 2: Repeat previous + add own name Continue around the class Focus on correct pronunciation
Asking Someone's Name
おなまえは なんですか (Onamae wa nan desu ka?) Polite way to ask 'What is your name?' Use with people you don't know well Shows respect and proper etiquette
Formal vs Casual Introductions
{"left":"Formal: わたしは田中です (Watashi wa Tanaka desu)\nCasual: ぼく/わたし、田中 (Boku/Watashi, Tanaka)\nUse formal with teachers, adults","right":"Use casual with friends, classmates\nWhen in doubt, choose formal\nBetter to be too polite than rude"}
Let's Practice Together!
Pair up with a classmate Practice asking each other's names in Japanese Take turns being formal and casual Remember proper pronunciation and bowing