How to Say ‘My name is Smith.’ in Japanese
Smith と申します。
Smith to moushi masu
[toh moh-shee mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: 申します (mōshimasu) is a humble way of saying your name, used only about yourself, never about someone else. To ask the other person's name politely, use お名前は？ "your name?" instead.
🇯🇵 In Japan: On the phone to a restaurant, giving just your family name this way is standard. Your first name usually isn't needed.
Phrase Breakdown
と
to
[toh]
(quotation marker)
Particle that marks what was said or written, like quotation marks.
彼は「はい」と言いました。
He said "yes."
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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