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Introuction question

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wolfmaster
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Joined: May 30th, 2007 4:12 pm

Introuction question

Postby wolfmaster » July 10th, 2007 3:07 pm

I'm utterly confused now.... I've always thought that initial introduction are,
XX desu. or there is a more polite form, I forgot how to say it. In Miki's audio blog, the very first lesson, she introduced herself this way:

美樹(みき)といいます, is this like, Miki here? What is the とfor in this structure?
Thanks!

Tom
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Postby Tom » July 10th, 2007 9:21 pm

と is the particle for quoting. You might translate it as "I'm called 'Miki.'"

I think the most common form of polite introduction is like トーマスと申します。
By the way, I made it to Japan

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wolfmaster
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Postby wolfmaster » July 10th, 2007 10:01 pm

Tom wrote:と is the particle for quoting. You might translate it as "I'm called 'Miki.'"

I think the most common form of polite introduction is like トーマスと申します。


Oh, i got iimasu confused with imasu (existence)!

Bucko
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Postby Bucko » July 11th, 2007 9:51 am

Tom wrote:と is the particle for quoting. You might translate it as "I'm called 'Miki.'"

I think the most common form of polite introduction is like トーマスと申します。


A more accurate translation would be "They call me Miki", as "I'm called Miki" is in the English passive form.

wolfmaster
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Postby wolfmaster » July 12th, 2007 6:31 am

Doesnt "ii" means good? like ii desu. How come ii masu means called?

Bucko
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Postby Bucko » July 12th, 2007 6:49 am

wolfmaster wrote:Doesnt "ii" means good? like ii desu. How come ii masu means called?


"iimasu" is a verb that means "say" or "call" (the plain form of "iimasu" is "iu"), and "ii" is an adjective meaning "good" or "fine". It's not really that difficult. You question is akin to comparing the words "pen" and "penitentiary" simply because both start with the sound "pen".

wolfmaster
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Joined: May 30th, 2007 4:12 pm

Postby wolfmaster » July 12th, 2007 2:20 pm

Bucko wrote:
wolfmaster wrote:Doesnt "ii" means good? like ii desu. How come ii masu means called?


"iimasu" is a verb that means "say" or "call" (the plain form of "iimasu" is "iu"), and "ii" is an adjective meaning "good" or "fine". It's not really that difficult. You question is akin to comparing the words "pen" and "penitentiary" simply because both start with the sound "pen".


I get it now! I thought the masu was a conjugation of ii, sorry.

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