Japanese word

紹介

Pronunciation

Romajishōkai

Meaning

  • nounintroduction

Example

友達を先生に紹介します。tomo dachi o sen sei ni shō kai shi ma su

I introduce my friend to my teacher.

Illustration for 紹介 (introduction)

More examples

この冊子は地域の活動の紹介です。ko no sas shi wa chi iki no katsu dō no shō kai de su

This booklet is an introduction to local activities.

Core concept

Places a person, thing, or option before someone else so that a connection or choice can be made.

Common phrases

  • 紹介を頼むshō kai o tano mu

    ask for an introduction

  • 友人を紹介するyū jin o shō kai su ru

    introduce a friend

  • 先生に紹介するsen sei ni shō kai su ru

    introduce someone to a teacher

Similar words

引き合わせhikiawase: Bringing people together so they can meet and form a connection.
案内annai: Providing information about a place, service, or option so someone can use or choose it.
推薦suisen: Presenting a person or thing as suitable or worthy of being chosen.

Definition in Japanese

人や物事を他の人に知らせ、間を取り持ってつなぐこと。hito ya mono goto o hoka no hito ni shi ra se ma o to ri mo tte tsu na gu ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 紹介 (shōkai, "introduction") combines 紹 (shō, "connect") and 介 (kai, "mediate").

Usage tips

  • English learners may expect introduction to mean an opening section, but in everyday Japanese this word usually presents a person, thing, or service to someone else.

Other meanings

  • presentationnoun
  • referralnoun

Related words

  • 紹介者shōkaishaintroducernoun

Word lists with this word