How to Say ‘Nice to meet you.’ in Japanese
はじめまして。
hajime mashi te
[hah-jee-meh mah-shee teh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: At a first meeting, [はじめまして] is the natural opener before exchanging names or backgrounds. You usually say it once per new relationship, not every time you meet again.
Phrase Breakdown
はじめ
hajime
[hah-jee-meh]
beginning; first time
Part of the set phrase はじめまして, used when meeting someone for the first time.
交流会ではじめと感じる相手にも笑顔で話しました。
At the networking event, I spoke with a smile even to someone I felt I was meeting for the first time.
まし
mashi
[mah-shee]
polite middle part of fixed greeting
A component of the greeting はじめまして; by itself it is not usually used independently in this meaning.
最初のあいさつではましを含む表現を覚えると便利です。
For first greetings, it is useful to remember expressions that include this part.
て
te
[teh]
and; ending sound in this phrase
The final part of はじめまして; in this flashcard it completes the standard first-meeting greeting.
あいさつの最後にてが入る形を練習しました。
I practiced the form where this ending part appears at the end of the greeting.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager