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 |
Enter a name in NameFerry to prepare Japanese introduction sentences, then adjust them for the occasion.
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.