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A2 verb #1,500 más común 12 min de lectura

紹介する

shoukai suru Top 1,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 紹介する en 30 segundos

Explicación 紹介する in your Level:

At the CEFR A1 level, the focus is on the most basic and immediate needs of communication. For a beginner learning Japanese, the verb shoukai suru is introduced early on because making friends and identifying people is a core part of basic interaction. At this stage, you only need to know how to use the verb in its simplest polite form: shoukai shimasu. You will learn to construct very simple sentences, such as 'Tomodachi wo shoukai shimasu' (I will introduce my friend) or 'Kazoku wo shoukai shimasu' (I will introduce my family). The grammar is kept straightforward, usually omitting the subject 'I' (watashi wa) since it is implied. You will also learn the essential compound noun jikoshoukai (self-introduction), which is critical for your first day in a Japanese class or when meeting a language exchange partner. The focus is purely on the active, present/future tense, and understanding that this word is the key to expanding your small social circle in a new language environment. Memorizing this single word opens up the ability to connect the people you know with the new people you meet.

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Moving to the CEFR A2 level, your ability to use shoukai suru expands significantly to include past tenses, basic particle usage, and slightly more complex sentence structures. You are now expected to clearly articulate who is being introduced to whom using the 'A ni B wo' structure. For example, 'Watashi wa haha ni sensei wo shoukai shimashita' (I introduced my teacher to my mother). You will also start using the te-form to make polite requests, such as 'Tomodachi wo shoukai shite kudasai' (Please introduce your friend to me). At this level, you can talk about past events, like a party where you met someone new, and use the verb to describe those interactions. You also begin to use it for things other than people, such as introducing your hometown, your favorite food, or a good movie to your classmates. The vocabulary broadens from mere survival phrases to conversational tools that allow you to share your interests and mediate simple social interactions among your peers.

At the CEFR B1 level, you transition from simple active sentences to more nuanced grammatical forms, specifically the passive and causative forms. You will frequently use shoukai sareru (to be introduced) to explain how you know someone: 'Kare wa, tomodachi ni shoukai saremashita' (He was introduced to me by a friend). This is a very natural way native speakers talk about their relationships. You will also encounter the causative form in polite expressions, particularly 'shoukai sasete kudasai' (Please let me introduce). This level requires a deeper understanding of the social dynamics involved in introductions. You are no longer just making simple statements; you are navigating social situations where you must ask for permission to introduce someone or explain the origin of a relationship. You will also start reading and writing short texts, such as emails or blog posts, where you introduce a topic, a product, or an experience to an audience, demonstrating your ability to use the word in narrative and descriptive contexts.

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Reaching the CEFR B2 level means you are preparing for professional and highly formal environments. Here, shoukai suru is elevated through the use of keigo (honorific and humble language). You must master phrases like 'Goshoukai itashimasu' (I humbly introduce) and 'Goshoukai sasete itadakimasu' (Please allow me the privilege of introducing). In a business context, you will use these forms when exchanging business cards, introducing your manager to a client, or presenting a new project proposal in a meeting. The word is also used in more abstract contexts, such as introducing a new policy, a scientific concept, or a cultural phenomenon in an essay or a formal presentation. At this stage, you understand the subtle differences between shoukai suru and related words like suisen suru (recommend) or teian suru (propose), and you can choose the correct word based on the precise nuance required by the professional or academic situation.

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At the CEFR C1 level, your use of shoukai suru is fluent, spontaneous, and highly attuned to complex social hierarchies and sociolinguistic markers. You can navigate delicate situations, such as introducing two people of differing high statuses, ensuring that the order of introduction and the level of keigo used are perfectly calibrated to avoid any social faux pas. You understand the cultural weight of acting as a mediator (shoukainin) in serious matters like business mergers, academic endorsements, or formal matchmaking (omiai). In written Japanese, you can seamlessly integrate the concept of introduction into sophisticated academic papers, journalistic articles, or literary critiques, using it to introduce complex theories, historical background, or nuanced arguments. Your vocabulary includes advanced idioms and collocations related to introductions, and you can easily comprehend and produce texts where the act of introducing is a subtle, underlying theme rather than just a direct action.

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At the CEFR C2 level, your mastery of shoukai suru is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You possess a deep understanding of the etymological roots of the kanji (紹 and 介) and how the historical concept of mediation has shaped modern Japanese social structures. You can critically analyze literature, historical documents, or political discourse where the act of introduction plays a pivotal role in the narrative or diplomatic relations. You are capable of playing with the word, using it metaphorically or ironically in creative writing or high-level debate. In professional spheres, you can act as a high-level intermediary, using the language of introduction to forge complex alliances, negotiate delicate terms, and establish profound trust between disparate parties. Your use of the word is not just grammatically flawless, but culturally profound, reflecting a complete internalization of Japanese interpersonal philosophy.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

紹介する en 30 segundos

The primary function of this verb is to introduce a person, place, or thing to someone else, acting as a crucial social bridge in Japanese.
It is formed by combining the noun for introduction with the auxiliary verb to do, making it a highly versatile and easily conjugated vocabulary word.
Understanding the correct particle usage, specifically using the particle ni for the recipient and wo for the object being introduced, is absolutely essential here.
This word is deeply embedded in Japanese business and social etiquette, often appearing in formal self-introductions known as jikoshoukai during meetings or new encounters.

The Japanese verb shoukai suru is a fundamental vocabulary word that translates to 'to introduce' in English. It is a crucial term for learners of the Japanese language, particularly those at the CEFR A2 level, as it forms the basis of social interactions, networking, and establishing new relationships in both casual and formal contexts. Understanding the deep nuances of this word requires an examination of its kanji characters, its grammatical structure, and its sociolinguistic implications within Japanese society. The word is composed of two kanji characters: shou and kai. The first character, shou, carries the meaning of introducing, helping, or inviting. The second character, kai, means to mediate, to be between, or to intervene. When combined, these characters perfectly encapsulate the act of acting as a bridge or a mediator between two parties who are previously unacquainted.

Kanji Breakdown: The kanji 紹 (shou) means to introduce or help, while 介 (kai) means to mediate or be between.

This concept of mediation is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, where direct approaches are sometimes less preferred than having a mutual acquaintance facilitate an introduction.

彼は私に新しい友達を紹介する。

In terms of grammar, shoukai suru is a suru-verb, which means it is formed by taking the noun shoukai (introduction) and attaching the irregular verb suru (to do). This makes it highly versatile and relatively easy to conjugate for learners who are already familiar with the conjugation patterns of suru. The act of introducing someone is not merely a transfer of information; it is a transfer of trust. When you introduce a friend to another friend, you are vouching for their character.

Social Context: Introductions carry a weight of responsibility and mutual trust in Japanese society.

This is why the word is used so frequently in business settings, where establishing a reliable network is paramount.

先生が新しい生徒を紹介する。

Furthermore, the word is not limited to introducing people. It can also be used to introduce places, things, concepts, or even aspects of one's own culture to foreigners. For example, you might introduce a traditional Japanese dish to a visiting tourist, or a new software tool to your colleagues at work.

日本の文化を外国人に紹介する。

The flexibility of the word makes it an indispensable tool in your vocabulary arsenal.

Versatility: Can be used for people, places, ideas, and products.

When learning this word, it is also important to pay attention to the particles that accompany it. Typically, the person receiving the introduction is marked with the particle ni, while the person or thing being introduced is marked with the particle wo. Mastering this structure will ensure that your sentences are clear and grammatically correct.

家族に恋人を紹介する。

In summary, shoukai suru is much more than a simple translation of 'to introduce'. It is a cultural key that unlocks the door to interpersonal relationships and effective communication in Japanese. By understanding its kanji roots, its grammatical behavior, and its social implications, you will be well-equipped to use this word confidently and appropriately in a wide variety of situations.

おすすめの本を紹介する。

Continue practicing this word in different contexts to fully internalize its meaning and usage.

Using the verb shoukai suru correctly requires a solid understanding of Japanese sentence structure, particularly the use of particles and conjugation forms. As a suru-verb, its conjugation is straightforward for anyone who has learned the basic irregular verbs. In the present polite form, it becomes shoukai shimasu. In the past polite form, it is shoukai shimashita. For casual conversations, you would use the dictionary form shoukai suru or the casual past form shoukai shita.

Conjugation Basics: Follows the standard rules for suru verbs: shimasu, shita, shite, etc.

The most critical aspect of using this verb is mastering the particle framework that supports it. The standard formula is 'A ni B wo shoukai suru', which translates to 'introduce B to A'.

母に友達を紹介する。

The particle ni indicates the target or recipient of the introduction, while the particle wo marks the direct object, which is the person or thing being introduced. For example, 'Yamada-san ni Suzuki-san wo shoukai suru' means you are introducing Suzuki to Yamada. If you swap the particles and say 'Yamada-san wo Suzuki-san ni shoukai suru', you are now introducing Yamada to Suzuki.

社長に新入社員を紹介する。

This distinction is vital in Japanese culture, where hierarchy and social standing often dictate who should be introduced to whom. Generally, the person of lower status is introduced to the person of higher status.

Hierarchical Rules: Always introduce the junior person to the senior person first.

Beyond the basic active voice, shoukai suru is frequently used in the passive and causative forms. The passive form, shoukai sareru, means 'to be introduced'. This is very common when explaining how you met someone: 'Yamada-san ni shoukai saremashita' (I was introduced by Yamada-san).

友人に紹介される。

The causative form, shoukai saseru, means 'to make/let someone introduce'. A very polite and common business expression uses the causative-passive or causative-te form: 'shoukai sasete itadakimasu', which humbly means 'Please allow me to introduce'. This level of politeness is expected in formal settings and demonstrates a high level of cultural competence.

自己紹介する。

Another common usage is the compound noun jikoshoukai, which means 'self-introduction'. When you join a new class, start a new job, or attend a networking event, you will inevitably be asked to do a jikoshoukai.

Jikoshoukai: A structured self-introduction that is a staple of Japanese social and professional life.

During a jikoshoukai, you typically state your name, your origin, your occupation, and perhaps a brief hobby or interest, concluding with the standard greeting 'yoroshiku onegaishimasu'.

皆の前で自己紹介する。

By practicing these various forms and understanding the social context behind them, you will be able to use shoukai suru with natural fluency and appropriate politeness in any situation.

The verb shoukai suru is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, appearing in a wide array of contexts ranging from the highly formal to the completely casual. One of the most common places you will hear this word is in the workplace or business environment. When a new employee joins a company, the manager will typically introduce them to the team using this verb.

新しい担当者を紹介する。

In business meetings with external clients, introductions are a formal ritual often accompanied by the exchange of business cards (meishi). Here, the humble form 'goshoukai itashimasu' or 'goshoukai sasete itadakimasu' is standard.

Business Settings: Crucial for networking, client meetings, and onboarding new staff members.

You will also hear it frequently in educational settings. On the first day of school or a new semester, teachers will ask students to perform a jikoshoukai (self-introduction). Students might also use the word when bringing a friend from another class to meet their group.

クラスメイトに幼馴染を紹介する。

In the realm of media and entertainment, television hosts constantly use shoukai suru to present guests, new products, or featured locations. Cooking shows will introduce recipes, travel programs will introduce tourist spots, and news anchors will introduce special correspondents.

Media Usage: TV presenters use it to transition between segments or bring out special guests.

You might hear phrases like 'Tsugi no koonaa de wa, atarashii resutoran wo shoukai shimasu' (In the next corner, we will introduce a new restaurant).

テレビで新商品を紹介する。

In social and romantic contexts, the word plays a pivotal role. The culture of goukon (group blind dates) or omiai (formal matchmaking) relies heavily on someone introducing potential partners to each other. A common request among single people is 'Dareka ii hito wo shoukai shite kuremasen ka?' (Could you introduce me to someone nice?).

いい人を紹介する。

Finally, in the digital age, the word has seamlessly transitioned into online spaces. YouTubers and influencers frequently use it when reviewing products, saying 'Kyou wa kono aitemu wo shoukai shitai to omoimasu' (Today, I would like to introduce this item).

Online Content: Influencers use it to present reviews, unboxings, and recommendations to their audience.

Blogs and articles often have titles containing the word, promising to introduce the top ten cafes or the best study methods.

ブログでおすすめの映画を紹介する。

Because it covers such a broad spectrum of human interaction—from the boardroom to the classroom, from television screens to smartphone apps—shoukai suru is an unavoidable and essential part of the Japanese linguistic landscape.

While shoukai suru is a relatively straightforward verb, learners frequently make several common mistakes regarding its grammar, particle usage, and sociolinguistic appropriateness. The most prevalent error is the incorrect assignment of the particles ni and wo. As established, the correct structure is 'A ni B wo shoukai suru' (introduce B to A).

正しい助詞を使って紹介する。

Many beginners, influenced by the English phrasing 'introduce A to B', accidentally swap the particles, resulting in a sentence that means the exact opposite of what they intended.

Particle Confusion: Swapping ni and wo changes who is being introduced to whom.

Always remember that the person receiving the introduction takes ni, and the person being presented takes wo. Another frequent mistake involves confusing shoukai suru with other verbs that have similar but distinct meanings, such as annai suru (to guide) or setsumei suru (to explain). For instance, if you want to show a friend around your hometown, you should use annai suru, not shoukai suru. While you can introduce a city conceptually (e.g., in a presentation), physically showing someone around requires annai.

町を案内するのではなく、紹介する。

A third area of difficulty lies in the levels of politeness and the use of keigo (honorific language). In a business setting, simply saying 'shoukai shimasu' when introducing your boss to a client is considered too blunt and potentially rude.

Politeness Levels: Failing to elevate the verb in formal settings can cause offense.

You must use the humble form, such as 'goshoukai itashimasu', to lower your own status and show respect to the client.

お客様に上司を紹介する。

Conversely, using overly polite forms with close friends can sound unnatural and distant. Learners also sometimes struggle with the passive form. When saying 'I was introduced by John', the correct phrasing is 'John-san ni shoukai saremashita'. Some learners try to construct awkward active sentences instead of embracing the natural Japanese preference for the passive voice in these situations.

ジョンさんに紹介される。

Lastly, a minor but common phonetic mistake is mispronouncing the long vowel in 'shoukai'. It must be pronounced with a long 'o' sound (shou), not a short one (sho). Failing to elongate the vowel can make the word difficult for native speakers to understand out of context.

Pronunciation: Ensure the 'ou' is held for two moras to maintain clarity.

By being aware of these common pitfalls—particle swapping, vocabulary confusion, politeness mismatches, passive voice avoidance, and pronunciation errors—you can significantly improve your accuracy and sound much more natural when using this essential verb.

間違いなく紹介する。

Practice these specific areas to build confidence.

To truly master the verb shoukai suru, it is helpful to compare it with similar words in the Japanese lexicon. Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms will allow you to choose the most precise word for your intended meaning. One closely related word is suisen suru, which translates to 'to recommend'.

彼をリーダーとして推薦する、単に紹介するのではない。

While shoukai suru is neutral and simply means presenting someone or something, suisen suru carries a strong endorsement. If you introduce a book (hon wo shoukai suru), you are just telling someone about it. If you recommend a book (hon wo suisen suru), you are actively suggesting they read it because it is good.

Suisen suru (推薦する): Implies a positive endorsement or recommendation, stronger than a simple introduction.

Another similar word is annai suru, which means 'to guide' or 'to show around'. As mentioned in the common mistakes section, annai involves physical movement and guidance, whereas shoukai is about providing information or establishing a connection.

京都を案内する前に、歴史を紹介する。

A third related term is hirou suru, which means 'to show off', 'to unveil', or 'to perform'. This is often used in formal or celebratory contexts, such as unveiling a new skill, a new dress, or a new project.

Hirou suru (披露する): Used for grand unveilings or showing off a specific talent or item.

While you might shoukai a new friend, you would hirou a piano piece you have been practicing.

新しい技術を披露し、紹介する。

We also have the word teian suru, meaning 'to propose' or 'to suggest'. This is common in business. You might introduce a new idea (aidea wo shoukai suru) to the team, but if you are formally proposing it as a course of action, you would use teian suru. Lastly, the word setsumei suru (to explain) is often used in tandem with shoukai suru.

製品を紹介するとともに説明する。

You might first introduce a new software program (shoukai suru) and then proceed to explain how it works (setsumei suru).

Setsumei suru (説明する): Focuses on the detailed breakdown of how something works, rather than the initial presentation.

By distinguishing shoukai suru from suisen, annai, hirou, teian, and setsumei, you elevate your Japanese proficiency and ensure that your communication is both accurate and contextually appropriate.

適切な言葉を選んで紹介する。

This nuanced vocabulary usage is a hallmark of an advanced learner.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Suru-verb conjugation patterns.

Dative and accusative particle usage (ni and wo).

Te-form for requests (shite kudasai).

Passive voice for receiving an action (sareru).

Causative-passive for polite permission (sasete itadakimasu).

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Ejemplos por nivel

友達を紹介します。

I will introduce my friend.

Basic polite form (shimasu).

家族を紹介します。

I will introduce my family.

Direct object with wo.

自己紹介をします。

I will do a self-introduction.

Compound noun jikoshoukai.

彼を紹介します。

I will introduce him.

Pronoun usage.

先生を紹介します。

I will introduce the teacher.

Basic vocabulary integration.

日本の歌を紹介します。

I will introduce a Japanese song.

Introducing a thing, not a person.

犬を紹介します。

I will introduce my dog.

Introducing a pet.

町を紹介します。

I will introduce my town.

Introducing a place.

母に友達を紹介しました。

I introduced my friend to my mother.

Past tense and 'A ni B wo' structure.

いいレストランを紹介してください。

Please introduce a good restaurant to me.

Te-form for requests (shite kudasai).

昨日、新しい先生を紹介しました。

Yesterday, I introduced the new teacher.

Time word (kinou) with past tense.

日本の文化を紹介したいです。

I want to introduce Japanese culture.

Tai form for desire (shitai).

彼に彼女を紹介するつもりです。

I plan to introduce her to him.

Tsumori for intention.

面白い本を紹介してくれませんか。

Won't you introduce an interesting book to me?

Polite negative request (kuremasen ka).

自己紹介を書いてください。

Please write a self-introduction.

Combining nouns with other verbs.

このアプリを紹介してもいいですか。

May I introduce this app?

Asking for permission (te mo ii desu ka).

山田さんに紹介されました。

I was introduced by Yamada-san.

Passive form (saremashita).

私の兄を紹介させてください。

Please let me introduce my older brother.

Causative te-form for polite permission (sasete kudasai).

友達が紹介してくれた映画を見ました。

I watched the movie my friend introduced to me.

Relative clause modifying a noun.

自己紹介の時に、趣味について話しました。

During my self-introduction, I talked about my hobbies.

Using toki (when/during).

誰か英語を教えてくれる人を紹介してほしい。

I want you to introduce someone who can teach me English.

Te-hoshii for wanting someone to do something.

この本は、日本の歴史を詳しく紹介している。

This book introduces Japanese history in detail.

Te-iru form for ongoing state/action.

彼を紹介する前に、少し説明があります。

Before I introduce him, I have a little explanation.

Mae ni (before doing).

紹介されたレストランはとても美味しかったです。

The restaurant I was introduced to was very delicious.

Passive verb modifying a noun.

本日は、弊社の新製品をご紹介いたします。

Today, I will humbly introduce our company's new product.

Humble keigo (goshoukai itashimasu).

部長の鈴木をご紹介させていただきます。

Please allow me to introduce Department Manager Suzuki.

Highly polite causative-humble (sasete itadakimasu).

知人の紹介で、この会社に入社しました。

I joined this company through an acquaintance's introduction.

Noun usage with particle de (by means of).

この記事では、環境問題の解決策を紹介しています。

This article introduces solutions to environmental problems.

Formal written style (te-imasu).

ご紹介にあずかりました、田中と申します。

Having been introduced, my name is Tanaka.

Set phrase for taking the floor after an introduction.

彼をチームの新しいリーダーとして紹介する。

I will introduce him as the new leader of the team.

Toshite (as/in the capacity of).

適切な人物を紹介できず、申し訳ありません。

I apologize for not being able to introduce an appropriate person.

Negative potential form (dekizu).

自己紹介は手短にお願いします。

Please keep your self-introductions brief.

Adverbial usage (temijika ni).

両国の架け橋となるべく、優れた文化事業を世界に紹介していく所存です。

I intend to continue introducing excellent cultural projects to the world to serve as a bridge between the two countries.

Advanced formal expression (shozon desu).

恩師からのご紹介とあらば、無下にお断りするわけにはまいりません。

If it is an introduction from my former teacher, I cannot flatly refuse.

Advanced conditional (to araba) and humble refusal.

当番組では、知られざる地域の魅力を余すところなくご紹介します。

In this program, we will introduce the unknown charms of the region exhaustively.

Advanced adverbs (amasutokoro naku).

彼が提唱する新理論を、本学会にて初めて紹介する運びとなりました。

It has been arranged that the new theory he advocates will be introduced for the first time at this academic conference.

Hakobi to narimashita (it has been arranged that).

紹介状を持参の上、専門医の診察を受けてください。

Please bring a letter of introduction and receive an examination from a specialist.

Noun compound (shoukaijou) and formal instruction (no ue).

その小説は、人間の暗部を鋭く抉り出す作品として紹介された。

The novel was introduced as a work that sharply gouges out the dark side of humanity.

Literary critique vocabulary.

単なる紹介に留まらず、その背景にある歴史的文脈まで踏み込んで解説する。

Going beyond a mere introduction, I will delve into and explain the historical context behind it.

Ni tomarazu (not limited to).

仲人を通じて良縁を紹介していただいた。

I had a good match introduced to me through a matchmaker.

Cultural specific vocabulary (nakoudo, ryouen).

この書物は、西洋の近代思想を我が国に紹介した先駆的な業績として高く評価されている。

This book is highly evaluated as a pioneering achievement that introduced modern Western thought to our country.

Academic and historical context.

紹介の労をとっていただいたことに対し、深甚なる謝意を表します。

I express my profound gratitude for the trouble you took to make the introduction.

Highly formal written keigo (rou wo toru, shinjinnaru shai).

彼の功績は、単に新技術を紹介したことにとどまらず、業界全体のパラダイムシフトを牽引した点にある。

His achievement lies not merely in having introduced new technology, but in having driven a paradigm shift across the entire industry.

Complex sentence structure with abstract concepts.

事の経緯を鑑みれば、彼を直々に紹介の労に服させるのは酷というものであろう。

Considering the circumstances, it would be harsh to make him personally take on the burden of the introduction.

Advanced literary/formal phrasing (koku to iu mono de arou).

紹介状という一枚の紙片が、時に人の運命を大きく左右することがある。

A single slip of paper known as a letter of introduction can sometimes greatly influence a person's destiny.

Philosophical/literary reflection.

異文化を紹介する営みは、自己の文化を相対化する鏡としての機能も併せ持つ。

The act of introducing a different culture also functions as a mirror to relativize one's own culture.

Abstract sociological discourse.

いかに巧言令色をもって紹介しようとも、本質的な価値が伴わなければ意味をなさない。

No matter how one introduces it with flattering words and a pleasing countenance, it is meaningless if not accompanied by intrinsic value.

Use of four-character idiom (kougenreishoku).

斯様な大役を仰せつかり、皆様に彼をご紹介申し上げるのは、身に余る光栄でございます。

Having been entrusted with such a major role, it is an honor more than I deserve to humbly introduce him to you all.

Maximum level of formal humble speech (miniamaru kouei).

Colocaciones comunes

自己紹介する

友達を紹介する

会社を紹介する

新製品を紹介する

本を紹介する

日本の文化を紹介する

紹介状を書く

紹介を受ける

紹介で入る

紹介を頼む

Frases Comunes

ご紹介します

ご紹介させていただきます

自己紹介をお願いします

誰か紹介して

紹介にあずかりました

ご紹介にあずかりました田中です

紹介状をお持ちですか

友人からの紹介で

紹介の労をとる

紹介を断る

Se confunde a menudo con

紹介する vs 案内する (annai suru - to guide)

紹介する vs 推薦する (suisen suru - to recommend)

紹介する vs 説明する (setsumei suru - to explain)

Modismos y expresiones

"紹介の労をとる"

"紹介にあずかる"

"顔つなぎをする"

"橋渡しをする"

"仲立ちをする"

"引き合わせの労"

"紹介の糸口"

"紹介の辞を述べる"

"紹介の場を設ける"

"紹介の労をいとわない"

Fácil de confundir

紹介する vs

Patrones de oraciones

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Cómo usarlo

nuance

Implies acting as a bridge or mediator between two unknown parties.

formality

Highly adaptable. Can be casual (shoukai suru) or extremely formal (goshoukai itashimasu).

Errores comunes

Swapping the particles 'ni' and 'wo', which changes who is being introduced to whom.
Using 'shoukai suru' when physically guiding someone around a location (should be 'annai suru').
Failing to use humble keigo ('goshoukai itashimasu') in formal business settings.
Mispronouncing the word with a short 'o' instead of the required long 'ou' sound.
Using active voice ('he introduced me') instead of the more natural passive voice ('I was introduced by him') when talking about oneself.

Consejos

Master the Particles

Always memorize the phrase 'A ni B wo shoukai suru'. The 'ni' is the receiver, the 'wo' is the object. Swapping them causes massive confusion.

Hierarchy Matters

In Japan, always introduce the person of lower status to the person of higher status first. This shows respect for the social hierarchy.

Jikoshoukai

Learn the compound noun 'jikoshoukai' (self-introduction). You will use this word constantly when starting new classes or jobs in Japan.

Use Humble Forms in Business

Upgrade 'shoukai shimasu' to 'goshoukai itashimasu' when speaking to clients or superiors. It instantly makes you sound professional.

Elongate the Vowel

Make sure to pronounce the 'ou' in shoukai as a long vowel. Saying 'shokai' quickly sounds incorrect and might confuse the listener.

Not Just for People

Don't limit this word to human introductions. Use it to talk about introducing your favorite anime, a new recipe, or your hometown.

Embrace the Passive

Get comfortable saying 'shoukai saremashita' (I was introduced). It is the most natural way to explain how you met an acquaintance.

Kanji Practice

Practice writing the kanji 紹介. The left radical of 紹 relates to silk/threads (connecting), which perfectly visualizes tying people together.

The Weight of an Introduction

Remember that introducing two people in Japan means you are vouching for them. Don't introduce people lightly in professional settings.

Don't Confuse with Annai

If you are taking someone on a tour of a city, use 'annai suru' (to guide), not 'shoukai suru'. Save shoukai for presenting information or people.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Show (shou) the guy (kai) to your friends to introduce him!

Origen de la palabra

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Contexto cultural

Introductions are almost always accompanied by a bow (ojigi).

Always introduce the lower-ranking person to the higher-ranking person.

Exchanging meishi is an integral part of formal introductions.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"自己紹介をお願いできますか？ (Could you please introduce yourself?)"

"誰かいい人を紹介してくれませんか？ (Could you introduce me to someone nice?)"

"私の友達を紹介します。 (I will introduce my friend.)"

"この本を紹介したいです。 (I want to introduce this book.)"

"新しい先生を紹介します。 (I will introduce the new teacher.)"

Temas para diario

Write a self-introduction (jikoshoukai) in Japanese.

Describe a time you introduced two friends to each other.

Introduce your favorite movie or book in Japanese.

Write about how you were introduced to your best friend.

Draft a formal business email introducing your company.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

You can absolutely use it for things! While it is very common for introducing people, it is equally common to introduce a book, a movie, a new product, or a concept. For example, 'hon wo shoukai suru' means to introduce a book. It is a very versatile verb.

Shoukai suru means to introduce, while annai suru means to guide or show around. If you want to introduce your friend to your mom, use shoukai. If you want to show your friend around your hometown, use annai. They are not interchangeable.

The most common and polite way to say this in a formal setting is 'Jikoshoukai sasete itadakimasu' or simply 'Jikoshoukai shimasu' in a standard polite setting. 'Sasete itadakimasu' is the humble causative form, meaning 'Please allow me to do a self-introduction'.

Japanese strongly prefers the passive voice when the speaker is the receiver of an action. Saying 'I was introduced by him' (Kare ni shoukai saremashita) sounds much more natural and polite than 'He introduced me' when focusing on your own experience.

The standard pattern is 'A ni B wo shoukai suru'. The particle 'ni' marks the person receiving the introduction (the target). The particle 'wo' marks the person or thing being introduced (the direct object). Getting these right is crucial.

It can be considered too blunt or casual depending on who you are speaking to. If you are introducing someone to a client or a higher-up, you should use the humble form 'goshoukai itashimasu' to show proper respect.

A 'shoukaijou' is a formal letter of introduction. It is very common in the Japanese medical system, where a general practitioner writes a shoukaijou for you to take to a specialist at a larger hospital.

While introducing a good book often acts as a recommendation, the specific word for 'recommend' is 'suisen suru' or 'osusume suru'. Shoukai is technically neutral, just presenting the item, though context often implies a recommendation.

A very common phrase is 'Dareka ii hito wo shoukai shite kuremasen ka?' which means 'Could you introduce me to someone nice?' This is a standard way to ask for a setup or blind date.

Shoukai has a 'heiban' (flat) pitch accent. It starts low on the first mora 'sho', rises on 'o', and stays high for 'ka' and 'i'. When attached to 'suru', the pitch remains high until the end.

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writing

Write 'I will introduce my friend' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Tomodachi wo shoukai shimasu.