Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Greeting
はじめまして、田中と申します。よろしくお願いします。 — Nice to meet you. My name is Tanaka. I look forward to working with you. (Cultural · Greeting, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N5)
You
はじめまして、田中と申します。よろしくお願いします。
はじめまして、たなかともうします。よろしくおねがいします。
Nice to meet you. My name is Tanaka. I look forward to working with you.
Romaji: Hajimemashite, Tanaka to moushimasu. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu. / Reply Romaji: Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
Reply
こちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。
こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいします。
The pleasure is mine. I look forward to it as well.
Gesture & etiquette
Bow 30 degrees, holding the bow for about 2 seconds. Keep arms straight down at your sides (men) or hands clasped in front (women). Do not extend hand for a handshake unless the other person initiates.
Moushimasu' is the humble form of 'iimasu' (to say/be called), showing respect by lowering oneself. 'Yoroshiku onegai shimasu' has no English equivalent — it conveys a hope for a good relationship going forward. Always pair this phrase with a bow of about 30 degrees in business settings.