This is a mobile optimized page that loads fast, if you want to load the real page, click this text.

Should I use my Chinese or English name in Japanese?

domu

後輩
Joined
21 Jun 2013
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone,

Quick and basic question. I just started doing the pre-work for learning Japanese.

I am not sure which name I should use when introducing myself to a native Japanese speaker (and which would be easiest to pronounce/understand/or if there are already Japanese equivalents).

My Chinese name is 何志偉; I would imagine there are people with an equivalent name in Japanese and there would be a Kanji equivalent? When I asked one of my friends this, he said I couldn't use 志偉 because they wouldn't translate directly into Kanji.

So far i've been using ドム for Dom, short for Dominic.

My question is this: What are the Kanji equivalents? If conversing with a native Japanese speaker, would it be easier of I go by Dominic or Zhi Wei?

Thanks for any help that can be offered.
 
Those Chinese characters are all used also in Japan, thus, you can use the same characters. Chinese people's names are usually read in the Japanese way of readings. Your name would be pronounced "Ka Shii". However, the original Chinese pronunciation is also used nowadays, for instance, "Shū Kinpei" and "Shī Jinpin" are both used for 習近平. So, Zhi Wei (or "Jī Wei" in romaji) is also acceptable.
 
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…