| This page contains the phrases needed to introduce yourself in Japanese. |
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When to bow?, how to bow?, and for how long to bow?: these are questions not even the Japanese know. Bowing is a very important part of the culture, people even bow on the phone. Getting the bow down, however, is a challenge.
Generally bow when you say hajimemashite and after you’ve introduced yourself. This ‘to bow’ system seems to work for me. Some, however, would argue that a ‘three bow’ system is more adequate. The choice is yours. As a rule, the higher the standing of the person you are introducing yourself to, the more bows you shwould do. I usually bow and hold for about a second. I also bow down about 45 degrees; however, once again, the higher the standing of the person you are bowing to, the steeper the bow. I’ve seen guys bow a full 90 degrees 5 or 6 times and then hold it as the person walked away. This must have been a very important person indeed… Other useful greeting phrases are: Other useful greeting phrases are: good evening, good morning, good night, hello, how are you?, and long time no see. |
| Michael |
| How do you do? I’m Michael. May I have your name? はじめまして。マイケルです。お名前は？ Hajimemashite. Michael desu. Onamae wa? |
| Yuko |
| I’m Yuko. How do you do? ゆうこです。はじめまして。 Yuko desu. Hajimemashite. |
