紹介

• Reading: しょうかい
• Romaji: shoukai
• Kanji breakdown: 紹 (shō) — introduce, inherit; 介 (kai) — mediate, between
• Pronunciation: /ɕo.ɯ.ka.i/

Meaning

Introduction; presentation; referral. Bringing someone or something to another person's attention.

Used as a noun or する verb (紹介する). Covers introducing people to each other, presenting products or services, and recommending things. Self-introduction (自己紹介) is a critical social ritual in Japan, practised from school through professional life.

Examples

1. 友達に新しい彼氏を紹介した。 I introduced my new boyfriend to my friend.
2. 自己紹介をお願いします。 Please introduce yourself.
3. この本は先生に紹介されて読み始めた。 I started reading this book after my teacher recommended it.

Usage Guide

Context: social situations, workplace, school

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 紹 (shō, introduce/inherit) and 介 (kai, mediate/between). The characters together convey the idea of mediating a connection between parties.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal