2025.08.19

Swedish Grammar #23: Basic Self-Introduction Expressions

Haruno

記事内に商品プロモーションを含む場合があります

When speaking Swedish for the first time with someone, expressions such as “Hello,” “My name is…,” and “Where are you from?” are essential for making a proper self-introduction.

Just like in English or Japanese, Swedish also has set phrases commonly used for self-introductions. By mastering these expressions, you not only make a polite and positive impression but also start conversations more smoothly.

In this lesson, I will explain the basic Swedish phrases used for self-introductions.

Contents

1. Stating Your Name
2. Stating Your Origin
3. Stating Your Occupation or Status
4. Stating What You Study
5. Greeting Someone for the First Time
6. Summary

1. Stating Your Name

The foundation of a self-introduction is telling someone your name. In Swedish, the expression used is:

Jag heter … ｜ My name is …

Here, heter is the present tense of the verb heta (to be called), which literally means “to be named.”

Examples:

Jag heter Yuki. (My name is Yuki)
Vad heter du? (What is your name?)

To ask someone’s name, use “Vad heter du?” which is equivalent to English “What is your name?”

2. Stating Your Origin

The next step is telling someone where you are from.

Jag kommer från … ｜ I am from …

This expression uses the phrasal verb komma från (to come from). Pay attention to the preposition från, which means “from”.

Examples:

Jag kommer från Japan. (I am from Japan)
Jag kommer från Tokyo. (I am from Tokyo)

To ask, say:

Var kommer du ifrån? (Where are you from?)

This literally means “From where do you come?” A slightly more casual variation is “Varifrån kommer du?” which carries nearly the same meaning.

3. Stating Your Occupation or Status

Swedish uses the verb är (to be) to express one’s occupation or role.

Jag är … ｜ I am …

Unlike English, Swedish does not use an article (a/an) when stating professions. For example, instead of “I am a teacher,” you simply say “Jag är lärare”

Examples: