Translation guide
The English word "introduction" covers several distinct situations: presenting people to each other, starting a speech or presentation, the opening section of a book or report, and bringing something new into use. Japanese uses different words and expressions for each.
To present two or more people to each other, either in person or in writing.
The most common and general word for introducing people. Used in both formal and informal situations.
友達を紹介します。
I'll introduce my friend.
自己紹介をお願いします。
Please introduce yourself.
A polite form of 紹介する, often used in business or formal settings.
部長をご紹介します。
Let me introduce our department manager.
A common pattern for introducing someone: "This is Mr./Ms. ~."
こちらは田中さんです。
This is Mr. Tanaka.
The beginning part of a talk, lecture, or presentation where the speaker sets the stage.
Literally "at the beginning," this is the most common way to start a speech or presentation, equivalent to "first" or "to begin with."
はじめに、自己紹介をします。
First, let me introduce myself.
Refers specifically to the introductory section of a formal speech or academic lecture.
A preliminary remark or preamble, often used to preface a statement or request.
The opening part of a written work that explains its purpose, scope, or background.
Commonly used as a heading for the introduction in books, reports, and manuals.
この本の「はじめに」を読んでください。
Please read the introduction of this book.
A preface or foreword, typically written by the author.
Similar to 序文, a foreword or introductory note, often used in less formal contexts.
Refers to the introductory part of a document or discussion, often used in academic or technical contexts.
The act of making something available or starting to use something for the first time, such as a product, system, or idea.
The standard term for introducing a new system, technology, product, or method.
新しいシステムを導入する。
Introduce a new system.
この会社は最新技術の導入に積極的だ。
This company is proactive in introducing the latest technology.
Often used for adopting or introducing a new policy, method, or tool, with a nuance of selection and acceptance.
To incorporate or bring in something new, often used for ideas, trends, or methods.
The act of making someone acquainted with something for the first time, such as a subject, activity, or culture.
An introduction to a subject or field, often used in titles of beginner-level books or courses.
これは経済学の入門書です。
This is an introduction to economics.
A pattern meaning "first ~" or "introduction to ~," commonly used for first experiences.
初めての日本文化体験。
An introduction to Japanese culture.
An introductory lesson or guidance, often hands-on, for a skill or subject.
紹介 (shōkai) is for introducing people or things to others (e.g., introducing a friend). 導入 (dōnyū) is for introducing systems, technologies, or methods into use. Do not mix them up.
English uses "introduction" for many situations, but Japanese often uses more specific words. For example, the introduction of a book is はじめに or 序文, not 紹介. Always consider the context.
その本の「はじめに」はとても面白かった。
The introduction of the book was very interesting.
その会社は新製品の導入を発表した。
The company announced the introduction of a new product.
In the introduction, I will explain the background of the research.
前置きは抜きにして本題に入りましょう。
Let's skip the introduction and get to the main topic.
Acknowledgments are written in the preface.
前書きでこの本の目的を説明します。
The purpose of this book is explained in the foreword.
レポートの導入部分を書く。
Write the introduction section of the report.
新制度を採用する。
Adopt/introduce a new system.
新しい教育方法を取り入れる。
Introduce a new teaching method.
料理の手ほどきを受ける。
Receive an introduction to cooking.