How to Say ‘My name is Emily Smith.’ in Japanese
Emily Smith と申します。
Emily Smith to moushi masu
[toh moh-shee mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: 申します (mōshimasu) is a humble form of "to be called", more modest than です. Japanese order is family name first, so you'd normally say your last name before your first.
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is the standard self-introduction in job-hunting settings. It's usually followed by a slight bow and よろしくお願いします "nice to meet you / I look forward to working with you".
Phrase Breakdown
と申します。
to moushi masu
I am called / my name is
申す is the humble form of 'to say'. ～と申します is a very polite way to introduce yourself. Say it as to mou-shi-ma-su, with a long 'ou'.
田中と申します。
My name is Tanaka.
Words in this phrase
と
to
[toh]
quotation marker
Particle marking a name or quoted content before a verb of saying.
田中と言います。
I'm called Tanaka.
申し
moushi
[moh-shee]
say; be called (humble)
A humble, polite verb used in formal self-introductions, especially in business settings.
受付で佐藤と申し、会場に入りました。
At reception, I humbly said I am Sato and entered the venue.
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending
A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.
予約を確認し ます。
I will confirm the reservation.
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