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
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| わたし は がくせい です。 | Watashi wa gakusei desu. | I am a student. |
| ジョンさん は アメリカじん です。 | Jon-san wa Amerikajin desu. | John is an American. |
| たなかさん は せんせい です。 | Tanaka-san wa sensei desu. | Mr. Tanaka is a teacher. |
💡 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
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Student | 学生 | Gakusei |
| Teacher | 先生 | Sensei |
| Doctor | 医者 | Isha |
| Engineer | エンジニア | Enjinia |
| Office Worker | 会社員 | Kaishain |
| High School Student | 高校生 | Kōkōsei |
| University Student | 大学生 | Daigakusei |
| American | アメリカ人 | Amerikajin |
| British | イギリス人 | Igirisujin |
| Japanese | 日本人 | Nihonjin |
🔹 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)
- QCan I say “です” without using “は” (wa)?
- A
Yes, in very short responses. For example:
がくせい です。 (Gakusei desu.) → “I am a student.”
- QWhat’s the difference between “わたし は” and just “わたし”?
- A
わたし (watashi) alone means “I,” but わたし は introduces a topic. For example:
わたし は せんせい です。 (Watashi wa sensei desu.) → “I am a teacher.”
- QHow do I ask someone about their job?
- A
Use 何 (なん / nani) for “what”:
おしごと は なん です か？ (Oshigoto wa nan desu ka?) → “What is your job?”
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.
Want to improve your Japanese with real conversations?
Our native Japanese instructors at gokigen japanese can help you perfect your pronunciation and learn real-life usage.
Whether you’re completely new to Japanese or looking to refine your skills, book a one-on-one session.
