How to Introduce Yourself in Japanese Using “N1 は N2 です”

How to introduce yourself in Japanese — basic template:

👇 Read on for example self-introductions, useful vocabulary, and cultural tips for jikoshoukai.

Introduction

Introducing yourself is one of the first skills you need when learning a new language. In Japanese, the sentence pattern “N1 は N2 です” (N1 wa N2 desu) is a fundamental structure that allows you to describe yourself and others.

In this guide, you will learn:
✔ How to introduce yourself using “N1 は N2 です“
✔ Common expressions and examples
✔ How to omit subjects for natural conversation
✔ Useful vocabulary for self-introductions
✔ FAQ to clear up common beginner mistakes
✔ Practice exercises to reinforce learning

Let’s get started!

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For a quick visual summary, check out our Japanese Grammar N5 “N1 は N2 です” infographic on Instagram.

1. Understanding “N1 は N2 です” (N1 is N2)

The basic structure “N1 は N2 です“ means “N1 is N2”. It is used to describe or define something.

📝 Sentence Structure: N1 は N2 です

• N1 is the topic of the sentence, marked by the particle は (wa).
• は is a topic marker particle. Although it’s written as “ha” in romaji, it’s pronounced “wa.”
  • For more details, see our guide on how to distinguish between wa (は) and ga (が).
• N2 is the information or description that is being given about N1.
• です (desu) is the copula verb, which connects the topic and the description to express “is” or “are” in English.

Examples

2. Common Self-Introduction Expressions

A typical self-introduction in Japanese follows this pattern:

Basic Self-Introduction

🔹 はじめまして。
(Hajimemashite.)
👉 “How do you do?”

🔹 わたし は [Name] です。
(Watashi wa [Name] desu.)
👉 “I am [Name].”

E.g., わたしはエマです。= I am Ema.

🔹 [Country / hometown] から きました。
([Country / hometown] kara kimashita.)
👉 “I am from [Country / hometown].”

E.g., アメリカからきました。= I’m from the United States.

🔹 [Occupation] です。
([Occupation] desu.)
👉 “I am a [occupation].”

E.g., 医者いしゃです。= I am a doctor.

🔹 よろしくおねがいします。
(Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)
👉 “Nice to meet you.”

Examples

わたし は エミリー です。
(Watashi wa Emiri desu.)
“I am Emily.”

アメリカ から きました。
(Amerika kara kimashita.)
“I am from America.”

せんせい です。
(Sensei desu.)
“I am a teacher.”

3. Omitting the Subject for Natural Conversation

Japanese is a high-context language, meaning that subjects are often omitted if they are clear from context.

🔹 In English:
👤 A: “Are you a student?”
👤 B: “Yes, I am a student.”

🔹 In Japanese:
👤 A: がくせい です か？ (Gakusei desu ka?)
👤 B: はい、がくせい です。 (Hai, gakusei desu.)

Here, “わたし は (watashi wa)” is omitted because it is already understood that the speaker is referring to themselves.

4. Useful Vocabulary for Self-Introductions

🔹 Example Sentences:
わたし は かいしゃいん です。
(Watashi wa kaishain desu.)
“I am an office worker.”

マイクさん は いしゃ です。
(Maiku-san wa isha desu.)
“Mike is a doctor.”

5. Practice Exercises

Translate into Japanese

1️⃣ I am a university student.
2️⃣ My friend is a high school student.
3️⃣ Lisa is an American.
4️⃣ John is a teacher.

Answer Key

1️⃣ わたし は だいがくせい です。 (Watashi wa daigakusei desu.)
2️⃣ わたし の ともだち は こうこうせい です。 (Watashi no tomodachi wa kōkōsei desu.)
3️⃣ リサさん は アメリカじん です。 (Risa-san wa Amerikajin desu.)
4️⃣ ジョンさん は せんせい です。 (Jon-san wa sensei desu.)

In わたし の ともだち, the particle の shows possession or relationship. Learn more in our guide to the Japanese particle の.

6. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

7. Conclusion: Your Next Steps!

Mastering “N1 は N2 です“ is an essential step in learning Japanese. Once you feel comfortable, try introducing yourself and others naturally.