How to Say ‘Are you new here?’ in Japanese
新しい方ですか。
atarashii hou desu ka
[ah-tah-rah-shee-ee KAH-tah dess ka]
💬 Usage Tip: 方 (kata) is a polite word for "person". It is used in place of 人 (hito) when talking about someone to their face.
Phrase Breakdown
新しい
atarashii
[ah-tah-rah-shee-ee]
new
Describes something recent, different, or not previously held, such as a new role or opportunity.
新しい環境で成長したいと思っています。
I want to grow in a new environment.
方
hou
[KAH-tah]
person (polite)
A polite word for 'person'; 'X no kata' means a person from X.
あの方は先生です。
That person is a teacher.
です
desu
[dess]
is; am; are
A basic polite copula used to say 'is/am/are.'
田中です。
I am Tanaka.
か
ka
[ka]
question particle
Used to create a yes/no question in informal speech.
行くか？
Shall we go?
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