Saying your Name
Saying your name to someone in English is not the same as in Japanese.
There are a few key points to remember.
If you are talking to someone from overseas that does not use kanji, they will probably be interested in the kanji characters used in your name.
David: Could I ask you how to pronounce this name? (杉本 花子)
杉本: Sure, it is "Sugimoto Hanako". "Sugimoto" is my family name and "Hanako" is my first name.
David: Thanks Hanako. What do the characters mean?
杉本: It is a little difficult to explain "Sugimoto". It probably means something to do with "cedar trees". "Hanako" means "flower child".
David: That's a pretty name.
Remember, it may not be interesting for you, but it is very interesting for people that don't know kanji.
Don't be surprised if you see many people overseas with kanji tattoos on some part of their body or on their clothes. Sometimes it may be used correctly, and sometimes in a strange way. This is similar in Japan with English on clothes.
There are a few key points to remember.
- It is perfectly OK to say either "My name is _____" or "I am (I'm) ______"
- In English, we usually introduce ourselves by FIRST then FAMILY name. e.g. Nice to meet you. I'm David Smith.
- It is better to be polite from the start when you meet someone else. Always use their full name (i.e. David).
- Use the titles "Mr., Mrs. or Ms." whenever you can. These titles are always followed by the FAMILY name. e.g. Excuse me Mr. Smith. You would not say "Excuse me Mr. David.
- Wait for the other person to use a shortened name (短縮形たんしゅくけい) before you start using it. This usually happens when they feel more relaxed/friendly with you. e.g. My name is David , but you can call me Dave.
If you are talking to someone from overseas that does not use kanji, they will probably be interested in the kanji characters used in your name.
David: Could I ask you how to pronounce this name? (杉本 花子)
杉本: Sure, it is "Sugimoto Hanako". "Sugimoto" is my family name and "Hanako" is my first name.
David: Thanks Hanako. What do the characters mean?
杉本: It is a little difficult to explain "Sugimoto". It probably means something to do with "cedar trees". "Hanako" means "flower child".
David: That's a pretty name.
Remember, it may not be interesting for you, but it is very interesting for people that don't know kanji.
Don't be surprised if you see many people overseas with kanji tattoos on some part of their body or on their clothes. Sometimes it may be used correctly, and sometimes in a strange way. This is similar in Japan with English on clothes.
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