Lesson 2: Introducing Yourself at a New Workplace

On your first day you will be asked to introduce yourself, usually to the whole team at the ちょうれい. A good introduction is short, clear and polite. You can prepare it today.

The model introduction

Say the whole introduction without stopping: はじめまして。ネパールから きました、ラム・シュレスタです。にほんに きて さんかげつです。ネパールで にねん、ホテルで はたらいて いました。にほんごは まだ じょうずじゃありませんが、がんばります。どうぞ よろしく おねがいします。

▶ Play the whole introduction

How long: durations

Talking about your background

Say what you can do, not only what you cannot: パソコンが つかえます (I can use a computer), くるまを うんてんできます (I can drive). Employers like to hear about practical skills. Be honest about your Japanese level.

Dialogue: meeting the team

Every ▶ button plays a clear computer voice, which is good for learning sounds and rhythm but is not a native speaker. Pitch (the rise and fall of the voice) can sound a little flat. Also listen to real Japanese as often as you can: videos, news for learners (NHK Easy), and Japanese people around you.

Check yourself

Try to answer every question before you look at the answers.

1. How do you start an introduction?
2. Say "I came from Nepal."
3. Say "It has been three months since I came to Japan."
4. How do you say 4 months and 2 years?
5. Say "I worked at a hotel for two years."
6. Say "I will do my best."
7. Ask a new colleague how long they have been in Japan.
8. How do you say "2 days"?
9. How do you say your work experience in Japanese?
10. What should you end an introduction with?

Answers

Count your correct answers. If you got fewer than 7 out of 10, read the lesson again and listen to the audio once more.

1. はじめまして。
2. ネパールから きました。
3. にほんに きて さんかげつです。
4. よんかげつ, にねん.
5. にねん、ホテルで はたらいて いました。
6. がんばります。
7. どのくらい にほんに いますか。
8. ふつか.
9. しごとの けいけん.
10. どうぞ よろしく おねがいします。