What Is Your Name in Japanese? Natural Ways to Ask and Reply

Key takeaways

• お名前は何ですか (onamae wa nan desu ka) is the polite way to ask someone’s name in Japanese.
• 名前は何ですか (namae wa nan desu ka) is the standard everyday form; the お (o) prefix adds a layer of politeness.
• To give your name, say 私の名前は[Name]です (watashi no namae wa [Name] desu) or simply [Name]と申します ([Name] to moushimasu) in formal contexts.
• In casual speech, 名前は? (namae wa?) is enough between friends.
• Japanese people often introduce themselves surname-first; knowing this prevents confusion when exchanging names.

You have been studying Japanese, and you finally have a conversation partner. The first thing they ask is something you did not expect to have trouble with, and the words do not come out right.

Asking and giving names is one of the first real interactions in any language, and in Japanese there are several layers depending on how formal the situation is.

This guide covers the polite, standard, and casual forms for asking someone’s name, the right way to give your own name in return, how to ask someone to repeat or spell their name, and what to do when your name is difficult to pronounce in Japanese.

With over 10 million learners worldwide, italki connects you with a native Japanese teacher who can roleplay introduction scenarios with you, including the formality adjustments that textbooks describe but only practice makes instinctive. Browse Japanese tutors on italki and book a trial lesson before your next conversation.

How to ask “what is your name?” in Japanese

Japanese	Romaji	English	Register
お名前は何ですか	onamae wa nan desu ka	What is your name?	Polite / formal
名前は何ですか	namae wa nan desu ka	What is your name?	Standard
名前は?	namae wa?	What’s your name?	Casual
何ていう名前?	nan te iu namae?	What’s your name? (what name do you go by?)	Casual

The お (o) in お名前 is an honorific prefix that makes the question more respectful. When speaking to someone you have just met in a business or semi-formal situation, お名前は何ですか is the right choice. Find a Japanese instructor on italki and practice asking names.

Giving your own name

Japanese	Romaji	English	Register
私の名前は[Name]です	watashi no namae wa [Name] desu	My name is [Name]	Standard
[Name]と申します	[Name] to moushimasu	My name is [Name] (humble)	Formal / business
[Name]といいます	[Name] to iimasu	I’m called [Name]	Polite, natural
[Name]です	[Name] desu	I’m [Name]	Casual but clear
[Name]だよ / [Name]だ	[Name] da yo / [Name] da	I’m [Name]	Very casual

Surname-first convention

Japanese people introduce themselves surname-first. If someone says 山田太郎 (Yamada Taro), 山田 (Yamada) is the family name and 太郎 (Taro) is the given name. When speaking in Japanese, following this convention is natural and expected. Learn Japanese online and build comfort with surname-first order in real time.

Asking for clarification

Japanese	Romaji	English
もう一度おっしゃっていただけますか	mou ichido osshatte itadakemasu ka	Could you say that once more? (formal)
もう一度言っていただけますか	mou ichido itte itadakemasu ka	Could you say that again? (standard)
どう書くんですか	dou kaku n desu ka	How do you write it?
お名刺はありますか	omeishi wa arimasu ka	Do you have a business card?
漢字で書いてください	kanji de kaite kudasai	Please write it in kanji

In Japanese business culture, exchanging business cards (名刺, meishi) is a standard part of introductions. Take the card with both hands, read it briefly, and place it carefully on the table. Use these clarification phrases with a Japanese private tutor to build confidence asking for repetition.

Handling foreign names in Japanese

Japanese uses katakana to write foreign names. “Emma” becomes エマ (Ema) and “James” becomes ジェームズ (Jeemzu).

Japanese	Romaji	English
私の名前はジョンです	watashi no namae wa Jon desu	My name is John
日本語では[name]と書きます	nihongo de wa [name] to kakimasu	In Japanese, it is written as [name]
[Name]と呼んでください	[name] to yonde kudasai	Please call me [Name]

Asking for someone’s name when you have forgotten it

Japanese	Romaji	English
お名前を失念してしまいました	onamae wo shitsunen shite shimaimashita	I have forgotten your name (formal)
すみません、もう一度お名前を	sumimasen, mou ichido onamae wo	Sorry, your name once more please
何とお呼びすればよいですか	nanto oyobi sureba yoi desu ka	What should I call you? (polite)

The full introduction flow

Japanese	Romaji	English
はじめまして	hajimemashite	Nice to meet you
[Name]と申します	[Name] to moushimasu	My name is [Name]
どうぞよろしくお願いします	douzo yoroshiku onegai shimasu	Please treat me well / I look forward to working with you

Your first impression in Japanese hinges on getting introductions right. Learning how to say nice to meet you in Japanese ensures you start every conversation with confidence. Exchanging names in Japanese takes a few minutes of reading and quite a bit of live practice. A Japanese tutor can roleplay introductions across different settings with you until the language feels natural.Book a trial lesson today and start with a simple introduction in Japanese.

FAQ

Do I need to add san (さん) after someone’s name when I say it back?

Yes, in most contexts. さん (san) is the standard Japanese honorific, equivalent to “Mr.,” “Ms.,” or “Mrs.” Using a name without さん when speaking to someone you have just met or to a superior would come across as overly familiar. What if my name has no natural Japanese pronunciation? Most foreign names can be written in katakana. Names with “L” sounds use “R,” “V” sounds use “B,” and some vowel combinations are simplified. Practicing the katakana version of your name before speaking with Japanese contacts helps avoid confusion. Is it impolite to ask someone’s name directly? In very formal Japanese business culture, directly asking someone’s name before exchanging business cards can feel slightly forward. In social or casual situations, asking 名前は何ですか is perfectly natural and not considered impolite.