How to say "I" in Japanese
"I" in Japanese is 私 (watashi). In very formal situations, the same kanji is read わたくし (watakushi). Japanese speakers often leave out "I" when it is clear.
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Ways to say "I" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| 私わたし · watashi | I. Polite and standard. |
| 私わたくし · watakushi | I. Very formal. |
| 僕ぼく · boku | I. Casual, used by men and boys. |
| 俺おれ · ore | I. Very casual, used by men. |
How to use it
僕 (boku) is common among men in casual speech, and 俺 (ore) is rougher. At work, use 私.
"I'm Smith" is simply スミスです. Adding 私は is correct but not always needed.
Example sentences
- 私はアメリカ人です。Watashi wa Amerikajin desu.I'm American.
- 私、営業部の田中と申します。Watakushi, eigyōbu no Tanaka to mōshimasu.My name is Tanaka, from the sales department.
- 僕はコーヒーにします。Boku wa kōhī ni shimasu.I'll have coffee.
- スミスです。よろしくお願いします。Sumisu desu. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.I'm Smith. Nice to meet you.
- 私もそう思います。Watashi mo sō omoimasu.I think so too.
- それは私の傘です。Sore wa watashi no kasa desu.That's my umbrella.
Kanji in this word
Questions
Which word for "I" should I use at work?
Use 私 (watashi). In formal speeches or with important clients, わたくし (watakushi) is even more polite.
Do Japanese speakers always say 私?
No. Japanese often drops "I" when it is obvious, so 行きます alone can mean "I'll go."
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