[はじめまして] is the go-to first greeting when meeting someone for the first time. It literally comes from “for the first time.”

Often paired with a small bow. Usually followed by something like [よろしくお願いします] (even in casual settings).

[です] can also soften statements and make them sound polite even when the meaning is simple.

Politeness level matters in Japan—[です] is a quick way to sound respectful without being stiff.

Name + [です] is the simplest self-introduction. In Japanese order, [苗字→名前] is common, but foreigners can use their natural order too.

In business settings, family name is often emphasized. On first meeting, adding [です] makes it politely complete.

[わたしは] (topic + “I”) is a clean way to start a self-introduction sentence.

In Japanese, starting with [わたしは] can sound formal/structured—useful in interviews or class intros.

[さき] is a name here. Name + [です] is the classic intro pattern.

When meeting someone, you’ll often hear family name + [です]. Using first name can be casual unless invited.

[は] (pronounced [わ]) can attach to a person: “[田中さんは] …” = “As for Tanaka-san…”

Bringing up the other person as the topic is a polite way to show interest and keep conversation balanced.

Pattern: [わたしは] + name + [です] = “I’m …”. Very standard and safe.

If you’re being extra polite, you can add a bow and follow with [よろしくお願いします].

[いま] means “now/currently.” It often appears with present situation questions like work or study.

When someone asks about your “now,” they usually mean your current status (job, school, where you live), not what you’re doing this exact second.

[しごと] can mean your job in general or “work tasks.” Context decides.

Talking about work is a common small-talk topic in Japan, especially early in getting to know someone.