🤝😊

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: Said only on the very first meeting, usually followed by your name and then よろしくお願いします. A small bow goes with it.

Phrase Breakdown

はじめ

hajime

[hah-jee-meh]

beginning; start

A noun meaning “beginning/start.” In self-introductions you most often hear it as part of はじめまして (“Nice to meet you”), but はじめ by itself can mean “the beginning.”

Example

はじめは、緊張しました。

At the beginning, I was nervous.

まし

mashi

[mah-shee]

polite verb ending part

Part of polite verb forms used in formal speech.

Example

丁寧に話しました。

I spoke politely.

て

[teh]

te-form ending

This ending connects actions, like 'cut and...' in instructions.

Example

てをつけると、つぎのどうさにつなげられます。

When you add -te, you can connect it to the next action.

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 feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”

James O., 28, Remote Worker

“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