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: と申します (to mōshimasu) is a humble way of saying "I'm called," more modest than です. The 申 is said with a long (mō).
🇯🇵 In Japan: Use this in interviews and with anyone you're meeting formally. Giving your family name first, Japanese-style, is common, but foreign names in their usual order are fine too.
Phrase Breakdown
と申します。
to moushi masu
my name is / I am called
This is a humble, polite way to give your name, and it is ideal for job interviews. Say it as 'to moushimasu', with a long 'o' sound in 'mou'.
田中と申します。
My name is Tanaka.
Words in this phrase
と
to
[toh]
as; quoting particle
Particle marking a name or quoted content before verbs like 'say' or 'be called'.
田中と言います。
I am 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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