Introducing a Chinese name in Japanese
How do you introduce your Chinese name in Japanese?
You do not need to replace a Chinese name with a Japanese name. Keep the original characters, then explain the pronunciation and what you would like people to call you.
Check my name firstYou don’t need a speech to introduce yourself. Start with your name and a greeting; the extra phrases can come later.
A short introduction
はじめまして、チャン・ウェイです。よろしくお願いします。
This introduces Zhang Wei using a Mandarin-based Katakana reading: “Nice to meet you. I’m Zhang Wei.” The phrases below add the written characters or the name you would like people to use.
Ready-to-use Japanese phrases for your name
| Purpose | Japanese phrase | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Basic introduction | はじめまして、張偉と申します。 | A polite first introduction |
| Show the kanji | 名前は「張偉」と書きます。 | Explain how the name is written |
| Give the Japanese reading | 日本語では「ちょう い」と読みます。 | Use the Japanese on-reading |
| Give the Mandarin sound | 中国語では「チャン・ウェイ」と発音します。 | Preserve the Mandarin pronunciation |
| State what to call you | チャンと呼んでください。 | Give a convenient preferred form of address |
Choose the right amount of detail
Casual conversation
Your name and preferred form of address are often enough.
Business settings
“と申します” is polite; keep the same romaji spelling across cards and email signatures.
Prepare more ways to express a Chinese name in Japanese
How do you read a Chinese name in Japanese?
Read the complete guide first, then choose the reading that fits your introduction.
How to fill in Furigana with a Chinese name
Distinguish name, Furigana, Hiragana and Roman-letter fields.
Does the family name or given name come first?
Match family and given names with common Japanese and English field labels.
How to write a Chinese name in Japanese Katakana
Compare Japanese readings, Mandarin pronunciation and the available Kana formats.
Generate your name reading, then build the introduction
Compare the Japanese on-reading and Mandarin pronunciation, and choose the form you truly want others to use.