A1 Expression Formell

〜と申します

~to moushimasu

My name is ~ (polite).

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Use this phrase to humbly state your name in formal situations like interviews or meeting new clients.

  • Means: 'I am called [Name]' using humble language.
  • Used in: Job interviews, meeting clients, or formal introductions.
  • Don't confuse: Don't use this with friends; use '〜です' instead.
Bow + Humble Verb + Your Name = Professional Impression

Explanation at your level:

This is a polite way to say your name. Use it when you meet someone new at work or school. It sounds very professional.
This phrase is a humble form of 'to say'. In Japan, we change verbs to be humble when we talk about ourselves to show respect to the listener. It is essential for business.
This is a key example of 'kenjougo'. By using 'moushimasu', you are effectively lowering your own status to elevate the person you are addressing. It is the standard protocol for initial introductions in formal Japanese society.
The usage of 'moushimasu' is a sociolinguistic marker of the 'uchi-soto' (inside-outside) dynamic. By employing this humble form, the speaker establishes a clear boundary of respect, which is crucial for maintaining professional decorum in Japanese corporate culture.
This expression exemplifies the Japanese pragmatic requirement for 'keigo'. It functions as a performative utterance that establishes the speaker's alignment with social hierarchy. The choice of 'moushimasu' over 'desu' is a deliberate act of face-saving and relationship management.
The phrase '〜と申します' is a quintessential example of the Japanese honorific system's focus on interpersonal distance. It functions as a linguistic buffer, mitigating the potential imposition of a new introduction. Through the grammaticalization of humility, the speaker navigates the complex social landscape of Japan with precision.

Bedeutung

A humble way to state one's own name.

🌍

Kultureller Hintergrund

The bow (ojigi) is almost always performed while saying this phrase.

🎯

Always use surname

In business, use your surname, not your first name.

Bedeutung

A humble way to state one's own name.

🎯

Always use surname

In business, use your surname, not your first name.

Teste dich selbst

Which is the correct way to introduce yourself to a new boss?

Choose the best option.

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 田中と申します。

This is the humble, formal way to introduce yourself.

🎉 Ergebnis: /1

Häufig gestellte Fragen

1 Fragen

Yes, it is very polite.

Verwandte Redewendungen

🔗

初めまして

builds on

Nice to meet you.

Wo du es verwendest

👔

Job Interview

Interviewer: お名前をどうぞ。

You: 田中と申します。

formal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'moushimasu' as 'mouse-him-us'—a tiny mouse bowing humbly to a giant.

Visual Association

Imagine yourself in a sharp suit, bowing deeply in a clean, quiet office.

Story

You walk into a big office. You see the boss. You bow, smile, and say 'Tanaka to moushimasu.' The boss smiles back.

Word Web

自己紹介謙譲語敬語名前初めましてビジネス

Herausforderung

Practice saying your name with this phrase 10 times in front of a mirror while bowing.

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Me llamo...

Japanese is tied to social hierarchy.

French moderate

Je m'appelle...

Japanese has specific humble verb forms.

German moderate

Ich heiße...

Japanese requires social context.

Japanese n/a

〜と申します

N/A

Arabic low

Ismi...

Japanese uses a verb-based structure.

Chinese moderate

我叫...

Japanese is more complex.

Korean high

〜라고 합니다

Very similar cultural logic.

Portuguese moderate

Eu me chamo...

Japanese is more formal.

Easily Confused

〜と申します vs. 〜です

Learners use this everywhere.

Use 'desu' for neutral, 'moushimasu' for formal.

FAQ (1)

Yes, it is very polite.

War das hilfreich?

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