Ms. Alice Kondo is an exchange student from the US. She enters a classroom on the first day of a Japanese course. Some students are already seated. She asks a student named Lee whether this is the Japanese class, introduces herself, and learns more about Lee.

Alice1: すみません。ここ、にほんごのクラスですか。
Lee1: はい、そうです。
Alice2: ああ、よかった。はじめまして。こんどうです。
Lee2: リーです。どうぞよろしく。
Alice3: こちらこそ。
Lee3: こんどうさんは にほんじんですか。
Alice4: いいえ、ちがいます。アメリカじんです。
Lee4: あ、そうですか。しつれいしました。
Alice5: いいえ。リーさんは？
Lee5: わたしはかんこくからきました。

Translation

Alice1: Excuse me. Is this the Japanese class?
Lee1: Yes, it is.
Alice2: Oh, good. Hi, I'm Kondo.
Lee2: I'm Lee. Nice to meet you.
Alice3: Nice to meet you, too.
Lee3: Are you Japanese, Ms. Kondo?
Alice4: No, I'm not. I'm American.
Lee4: Is that right? I'm sorry.
Alice5: That's okay. How about you, Mr. Lee?
Lee5:

I'm from South Korea.

Cultural Notes

1.

In the dialogue, Ms. Kondo follows a common Japanese convention. When introducing themselves briefly, Japanese speakers typically give only their family name: こんどうです (I'm Kondo).
2.

The phrase よろしく plays an important role in Japanese communication, especially during first meetings. It does not have a direct English equivalent, but it conveys meanings such as:

  • “I look forward to working with you”
  • “Please treat me favorably”
  • “Thank you in advance”

Using this expression helps create a positive relationship and shows consideration for the other person. The level of politeness changes depending on the situation: よろしく (plain): used with friends, peers, or people of equal/lower status どうぞ、よろしく: a neutral, widely used form suitable for many situations どうぞ、よろしくおねがいします: polite and appropriate for formal or professional contexts. In addition to introductions, よろしくおねがいします is also commonly used when making a request. It expresses trust and appreciation, similar to saying, “I’m counting on you” or “Thank you for your help.”