3 Ways to Say Nice to Meet You in Japanese

If English introductions are a handshake and a smile, Japanese introductions are a whole mini-ceremonypolite, purposeful,
and sometimes so subtle you’ll swear the language is quietly judging your posture. The good news: you don’t need to memorize
47 phrases or bow like you’re trying to pick up a coin with your forehead.

What you do need is this: Japanese doesn’t rely on one perfect “nice to meet you.” Instead, it gives you several
options depending on contextcasual hangout, new class, first day at work, formal meeting, or the “I’ve admired your work for
years and I’m trying not to squeal” moment.

Below are three practical, real-world ways to say “nice to meet you” in Japanese, with when to use each one, what it really
means, how to respond, and examples you can actually steal for your next introduction.

Why there isn’t just one “nice to meet you” in Japanese

Japanese introductions are less about announcing your feelings (“Nice to meet you!”) and more about setting the tone for a
relationship: respect, cooperation, and “I promise I won’t make this awkward… probably.”

That’s why you’ll often hear a pair of phrases used together in first meetings:
はじめまして (Hajimemashite) plus よろしくお願いします
(Yoroshiku onegaishimasu). One marks the first meeting; the other asks for goodwill going forward.

A tiny etiquette boost that makes everything sound more natural

• Bow lightly (a small nod works if you’re not sure).
• Say your name after the greeting (simple is fine).
• Skip “I” unless needed. Japanese often omits “watashi” (I) in self-intros; it can sound more natural.
• Don’t give yourself “-san.” Use -san for others, not for you. (Yes, your self-esteem is valid.
  Japanese honorifics just have rules.)

Way #1: はじめまして (Hajimemashite)

This is the classic. If you learn only one phrase for first-time introductions, make it this one.
はじめまして is used when meeting someone for the first time and signals, “This is our first meeting.”

What it really means (without the textbook vibes)

A helpful way to think of hajimemashite is: “We’re starting our relationship now.” It’s not just a
greetingit’s a little flag that says, “New connection unlocked.”

When to use it

• Meeting someone in person for the first time
• Being introduced through a friend or coworker
• First day of class, club, or a group activity
• Formal-ish online introductions (Zoom, email threads, group chats) when it’s truly the first time

How to pronounce it so you don’t sound like a sneezing robot

Break it into beats: ha-ji-me-ma-shi-te. Keep it smooth and evenJapanese rhythm tends to be steady rather
than stress-heavy like English.

Example you can copy

Leveling up (polite and professional)

In more formal settings, you can use と申します (to moushimasu) instead of desu:

Way #2: よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu)

This phrase is famous because it’s hard to translate cleanlyand also because Japanese speakers use it constantly.
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu is less “nice to meet you” and more:
“Please be kind to me / I look forward to working with you / Thanks in advance for your cooperation.”

Why it works as “nice to meet you”

In many first-meeting situations, what you’re really doing is asking for a smooth relationship going forward. That’s exactly
what よろしくお願いします does. It’s like saying, “Let’s get along,” without forcing everyone to clap.

Common versions (from chill to polished)

• Super casual: よろしく！ (Yoroshiku!) “Catch you / Let’s do this / Be good to me!”
• Standard polite: よろしくお願いします。 (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)
• Slightly more formal: どうぞよろしくお願いします。 (Dōzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.)
  “Please (kindly)…” with extra polish

How to respond (so you don’t just nod like a bobblehead)

Common replies include:

• こちらこそよろしくお願いします。 (Kochira koso yoroshiku onegaishimasu.) “Likewise.”
• よろしくお願いします。 (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.) Matching their politeness is totally fine.

Example you’ll hear everywhere

When to use it (beyond first meetings)

• At the end of a self-introduction (very common)
• When starting a new job, joining a team, or entering a new group chat
• In emails when you’re about to request something
• Before working together on a task (“Thanks in advance / let’s collaborate well”)

Way #3: お会いできて嬉しいです (O-ai dekite ureshii desu)

If you want something closer to the emotional tone of “I’m really happy to meet you,” this is your phrase.
お会いできて嬉しいです literally expresses happiness at being able to meet someone.

When it fits best

• Formal introductions (business, events, academic settings)
• Meeting someone important or respected
• When you want to sound especially warm and sincere (without being overly casual)

Example (polite, friendly, and a little elevated)

Two even more formal upgrades

• お会いできて光栄です (O-ai dekite kōei desu) “I’m honored to meet you.”
• お目にかかれて光栄です (O-me ni kakarete kōei desu) very formal/humble “I’m honored to meet you.”

You don’t need these every day. But if you’re meeting a guest speaker, interviewer, or someone you genuinely respect, they’re
excellent tools.

The “golden combo” self-introduction (what many Japanese learners aim for)

If you want one reliable intro that works in most polite situations, combine Way #1 and Way #2 with your name:

Business version (more formal)

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Using hajimemashite with someone you’ve met before: Save it for true first meetings.
• Translating yoroshiku onegaishimasu word-for-word: Focus on the functiongoodwill, cooperation,
  “please take care of me.”
• Overusing “watashi wa”: It’s not wrong, but dropping it often sounds more natural once context is clear.
• Calling yourself “-san”: Use honorifics for others, not for your own name in self-introductions.
• Going too casual too fast: “Yoroshiku!” is friendly, but in professional settings,
  “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” is safer.

Quick cheat sheet: which phrase should you use?

Experience section (requested): of real-life moments where these phrases shine

The first time you try “nice to meet you” in Japanese, it can feel like stepping onto a stage without rehearsing. You know the
line. You just don’t know what your hands are supposed to do while your mouth is saying it. Do you bow? Do you wave? Do you do
that panicked half-bow/half-handshake combo that looks like you’re trying to swat an invisible mosquito? (If yes, congratulations:
you’ve had the full cultural exchange experience.)

One of the most common “practice arenas” is a language exchange. You sit down, introduce yourself, and suddenly your brain
offers you exactly one word: konnichiwa. It’s not wrongit’s just… not the moment. Then you remember:
はじめまして. You say it, your partner smiles, and the tension drops a notch. That’s the magic of
hajimemashite: it signals, clearly and politely, that you’re meeting for the first time and you understand the social
moment you’re in.

Another classic scenario: your first day joining a Japanese class, club, or online community. People introduce themselves one
after another, and you start hearing the rhythm:
はじめまして → name → よろしくお願いします. It’s not a random script; it’s social glue.
When you add yoroshiku onegaishimasu, you’re basically saying, “I’m new hereplease be kind, and I hope we get along.”
In group settings, that tiny bit of humility goes a long way. It’s like bringing snacks to a party, but verbal.

Then there’s the “meeting someone important” moment. Maybe it’s a visiting professor, a manager, or a creator you admire.
This is where お会いできて嬉しいです can feel like the perfect bridge between polite and heartfelt. You’re not
overdoing it, but you’re also not sounding like you’re reading off a flashcard. It communicates warmth: “I’m genuinely glad we
finally met.” If you’ve ever wanted to say, “I’ve looked forward to this,” without sounding dramatic, this phrase is your friend.

Even travel situations have their own “intro highlights.” Meeting a host family, you might start with
はじめまして, add your name, and finish with a careful
どうぞよろしくお願いします. You’ll notice the response often mirrors yoursbecause Japanese conversation loves
symmetry in polite exchanges. And yes, your pronunciation won’t be perfect. That’s okay. In many real interactions, the effort
matters more than flawless delivery. Clear intent + respectful tone = a great first impression.

Finally, there’s the funny part: once you learn these phrases, you start hearing them everywherein introductions at meetings,
in club announcements, even in emails that basically say, “Hello, we’ve never met, but I am about to ask you for something.”
That’s when you realize Japanese “nice to meet you” isn’t just a greeting. It’s a relationship starter kitand you’ve now got
three versions ready to deploy.

Conclusion: pick the phrase that matches the moment

If you’re meeting someone for the first time, はじめまして is the safe, standard “nice to meet you.”
If you want to sound natural and culturally fluent, add よろしくお願いします to show goodwill and
cooperation. And if you want to be especially warm (or a bit more formal), お会いできて嬉しいです expresses
genuine pleasure at meeting.

Try them out, mix them thoughtfully, and don’t worry if your bow is slightly off. The goal is connectionnot perfect choreography.