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

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!

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 (Topic) is marked by は (wa)
• N2 (Description) provides information about N1
• です (desu) is the copula (similar to “is/am/are”)

Examples

💡 Tip: です (desu) makes sentences polite. If you’re speaking casually, you can omit it.

2. Common Self-Introduction Expressions

A typical self-introduction in Japanese follows this pattern:

Basic Self-Introduction

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

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

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

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.)

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.