How to Say Nice to Meet You in Japanese Politely

Have you ever found yourself about to meet someone from Japan and suddenly realized you don’t know how to properly greet them? Learning how to say “nice to meet you” in Japanese is one of the most valuable first steps in your language journey. Japanese culture places tremendous importance on first impressions and proper greetings, making these phrases essential for anyone hoping to connect with Japanese speakers.

In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways to express “nice to meet you” in Japanese, from casual encounters to formal business settings. You’ll learn not just what to say, but when and how to say it for maximum cultural impact.

The Importance of Proper Greetings in Japanese Culture

In Japan, how you introduce yourself speaks volumes about your character and respect for others. Unlike some cultures where casual introductions are the norm, Japanese society values formality and proper etiquette during first meetings.

A well-executed greeting demonstrates:

• Respect for the other person
• Understanding of Japanese social customs
• Your willingness to embrace cultural differences
• Thoughtful consideration of social hierarchy

As we explored in our article on the role of “Okasan” (mother) in Japanese families, relationships and social interactions in Japan are built on foundations of respect and proper communication.

Essential “Nice to Meet You” Phrases in Japanese

1. はじめまして (Hajimemashite)

Meaning: Nice to meet you Usage: This is the standard phrase used when meeting someone for the first time in both casual and formal situations.

Example: はじめまして、ジョンです。(Hajimemashite, Jon desu.) Nice to meet you, I’m John.

Hajimemashite is derived from the verb 始める (hajimeru), which means “to begin.” This greeting essentially acknowledges the beginning of a new relationship, making it perfect for first-time encounters.

2. よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu)

Meaning: Please treat me well/I look forward to working with you Usage: Typically follows “Hajimemashite” to express your desire for a good relationship moving forward.

Example: はじめまして、サラです。よろしくお願いします。(Hajimemashite, Sara desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.) Nice to meet you, I’m Sara. I look forward to our relationship.

This versatile phrase appears in many contexts beyond introductions, including everyday situations when asking for favors or starting new collaborations.

3. どうぞよろしくお願いします (Douzo Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu)

Meaning: Please treat me well (more formal) Usage: A more polite version of “Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu,” suitable for business meetings or formal occasions.

Example: はじめまして、田中と申します。どうぞよろしくお願いします。(Hajimemashite, Tanaka to moushimasu. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.) Nice to meet you, my name is Tanaka. I look forward to working with you.

Responding to “Nice to Meet You” in Japanese

When someone introduces themselves to you, it’s important to know how to respond appropriately.

こちらこそ (Kochirakoso)

Meaning: Likewise/The pleasure is mine Usage: A polite response to someone’s “Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu”

Example: こちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。(Kochirakoso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.) Likewise, I look forward to our relationship.

Similar to how we use adverbs to modify actions in our guide to Japanese adverbs, こちらこそ modifies your response to show reciprocity and politeness.

Formal “Nice to Meet You” Expressions for Business Settings

When meeting colleagues, clients, or superiors in a professional context, consider these more formal expressions:

お会いできて嬉しいです (Oaidekite Ureshii Desu)

Meaning: I’m happy to meet you Usage: A warm, formal greeting expressing genuine pleasure in the meeting

Example: お会いできて嬉しいです。田中です。(Oaidekite ureshii desu. Tanaka desu.) I’m happy to meet you. I’m Tanaka.

お会いできて光栄です (Oaidekite Kouei Desu)

Meaning: It’s an honor to meet you Usage: Very formal phrase for meeting someone of higher status or in highly respectful situations

Example: お会いできて光栄です。これからよろしくお願いいたします。(Oaidekite kouei desu. Kore kara yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.) It’s an honor to meet you. I look forward to working together from now on.

Just as we explored the significant differences between Yaru vs. Suru for expressing actions, choosing the right level of formality in greetings demonstrates your cultural awareness and social intelligence.

Sample Conversation: Meeting for the First Time

Here’s how a typical first-meeting conversation might flow:

Person A: はじめまして、マイクと申します。どうぞよろしくお願いします。 (Hajimemashite, Maiku to moushimasu. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.) Nice to meet you, my name is Mike. Please treat me well.

Person B: はじめまして、ナオミです。こちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。 (Hajimemashite, Naomi desu. Kochirakoso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.) Nice to meet you, I’m Naomi. Likewise, I look forward to our relationship.

Tips for Remembering Japanese Greeting Phrases

1. Practice daily: Set aside a few minutes each day to practice these phrases aloud.
2. Create associations: Link each phrase with specific contexts to help recall when needed.
3. Use spaced repetition: Review phrases at increasing intervals to strengthen memory.
4. Apply immediately: Use new phrases in real conversations as soon as possible.

For a more comprehensive approach to learning Japanese, check out our free Japanese learning guides that offer structured methods for vocabulary acquisition.

When to Use Each “Nice to Meet You” Phrase

• Casual settings (meeting friends of friends): はじめまして + よろしく
• Semi-formal settings (school, casual work): はじめまして + よろしくお願いします
• Business settings: はじめまして + どうぞよろしくお願いします
• Very formal occasions: お会いできて光栄です or お目にかかれて光栄です

The ability to adjust your language based on social context is a hallmark of Japanese communication, similar to how we adapt our expressions when discussing daily routines with “mainichi”.

FAQ: “Nice to Meet You” in Japanese

Which phrase should I use for a first business meeting?

For a first business meeting, start with “はじめまして” (Hajimemashite) followed by “どうぞよろしくお願いします” (Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu). This combination shows proper respect while establishing professional rapport.

Is “Hajimemashite” appropriate for all situations?

Yes, “はじめまして” (Hajimemashite) is appropriate for virtually all first-time meetings, regardless of formality level. It’s a universal first-meeting greeting in Japanese.

How do I respond if someone says “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” to me?

The most common response is “こちらこそ、よろしくお願いします” (Kochirakoso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu), which means “Likewise, I look forward to our relationship.”

Can I use just “Yoroshiku” in casual settings?

Yes, with friends or in very casual situations, simply saying “よろしく” (Yoroshiku) is acceptable, though adding “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) is generally safer until you’re familiar with the person.

Conclusion

Mastering how to say “nice to meet you” in Japanese opens doors to meaningful connections with Japanese speakers. These phrases do more than convey a simple greeting—they demonstrate your respect for Japanese culture and your commitment to proper communication.

Remember that the most basic way to say “nice to meet you” in Japanese is “はじめまして” (Hajimemashite).

Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, meeting Japanese colleagues, or simply expanding your language skills, these greeting expressions will serve you well on your Japanese language journey. By practicing these phrases and understanding their cultural significance, you’ll make positive first impressions that can lead to lasting relationships.

Ready to expand your Japanese vocabulary beyond greetings? Explore our comprehensive resources for learning Japanese, including our guides on everyday expressions and essential verbs like “tsukau” (to use).