Introducing Yourself in English: Let's Take the First Step Together!

When learning a new language, the first sentences we form are usually about ourselves. It is almost like the first proof of your existence in that language. Even though it seems easy, this first step is incredibly important.

For many students, the biggest concerns when it comes to speaking English are, "What if I make a mistake?" or "How do I start?" Meeting someone new, and doing so in a different language, can feel intimidating at first. But it is time to put those fears aside!

This article is designed to make that initial introduction as easy and stress-free for you as possible.

Basic Introduction Sentences: What Phrases Do You Need to Know?

A1–A2 Level: This section is specifically prepared for beginner-level English learners.

As you progress from the beginner level, you can explore how long it takes to learn English and the factors affecting this duration in detail in our related guide.

You do not need long and complex sentences to introduce yourself in English. Knowing a few basic phrases about your name, age, where you live, your profession or school, and your interests is enough for most introductions.

Let's look at the sentences you will use most frequently in one place:

When saying your age, knowing how numbers are written in English will also make things easier.

Pay Attention to This Small Difference When Using “I Like”

When talking about hobbies, you can use different structures after the word “like.” However, it is important not to mix these structures up:

like + noun → I like football.

like + -ing → I like playing football.

like to + verb → I like to play football.

For this reason:

I like to football.

is incorrect.

Instead, you can say:

• I like football.

• I like playing football.

• I like to play football.

English Introduction Examples

For a beginner, simply seeing the phrases might not be enough. For this reason, let's first look at a blank template, then the filled-in English version of the same template, and finally its English equivalent.

English Introduction Template

You can fill in the blanks with your own information:

“Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I am [Your Age] years old. I am from [Your Country]. I live in [Your City] with my [family/friends/parents]. I am a [Your Profession] / student. I study at [Your School/University]. In my free time, I like [Your Hobby 1] and [Your Hobby 2]. Nice to meet you.”

Completed English Introduction Example

Now let's look at a real example using the same structure:

“Hello, my name is Melisa. I am 19 years old. I am from Turkey. I live in Antalya with my family. I am a student. I study at Akdeniz University. In my free time, I like reading books and watching movies. Nice to meet you.”

Short, 30-Second, and 1-Minute Introduction Examples

You do not need to speak for the same amount of time in every situation. You can shorten or expand your introduction depending on the setting.

Short 3-sentence introduction:

“Hi, I’m Melisa. I’m from Antalya and I’m a university student. I like reading and watching movies.”

This version can be sufficient when meeting someone new or during a short class activity.

Approximately 30-second introduction:

“Hi, my name is Melisa. I’m 19 years old and I’m from Antalya, Turkey. I’m a university student. In my free time, I like reading books, watching movies and spending time with my friends. Nice to meet you.”

This structure is more suitable for a first English lesson, a class introduction, or a social setting.

Approximately 1-minute professional introduction:

“Hello, my name is Melisa. I’m a university student studying Business Administration. I’m interested in digital marketing and communication, and I enjoy learning new skills in these areas. I’m currently working on improving my English because I would like to use it more confidently in my education and future career.”

This type of introduction is a more suitable starting point for a job interview or a more professional meeting.

How Do You Introduce Yourself in English in Different Situations?

How you introduce yourself changes depending on the setting. The sentences you use when speaking with a new friend and the answer you give in a job interview should not be the same.

Introducing Yourself in a Social Setting

Here, you can use more natural and concise language: “Hi, I’m Melisa. I’m from Antalya. I’m a university student and I love watching movies. Nice to meet you.” Initially, you do not need to talk at length about your profession or education. The goal is to start a conversation.

Introducing Yourself at School or in Class

In a classroom setting, along with your name, you can add your major and a few of your interests:

“Hi everyone. My name is Melisa. I study Business Administration at Akdeniz University. I’m interested in marketing and I like reading and travelling.”

Introducing Yourself in a Job Interview

The “Tell me about yourself” question in a job interview is different from an introduction in a social setting.

Here, rather than your age or who you live with, you should focus more on:

• your education

• your experience

• your strengths

• your connection to the role you are applying for.

For example:

“My name is Melisa. I’m a Business Administration graduate with an interest in digital marketing and social media. I’ve worked on content and communication projects, and I’m looking for an opportunity where I can develop these skills further.”

Introducing Yourself in a Formal Email or Professional Setting

A more direct opening can be used in a formal email:

“Hello, my name is Melisa Yılmaz. I am a student at Akdeniz University. I am writing to ask about…”

If you are wondering how to continue a formal email after this opening, you can check out our guide that covers the structure of greetings, body text, and closings step by step.

On a CV, an introductory sentence like “My name is…” is generally not used. Your name is already located at the top of the CV. Instead, a short professional profile can be used:

“Business Administration student interested in digital marketing and communication.”

The Art of Starting a Conversation: What Questions Should We Ask the Other Person?

A good introduction is not just about talking about yourself. Asking the other person simple questions makes it easier to keep the conversation going.

Some basic questions you can use:

• What is your name?

• Where are you from?

• Where do you live?

• What do you do?

• What do you do for a living?

• What are your hobbies?

• What do you like to do in your free time?

For parents who want to practice these kinds of short, everyday English phrases with their children, the guide 25 Simple Daily Sentences for Speaking English With Your Child can also be useful.

At the end of the introduction, you can say:

“Nice to meet you.”

When the other person says this to you, you can reply:

“Nice to meet you too.”

As the conversation or lesson is ending: Phrases like “It was nice talking to you.” or “See you next lesson.” provide a natural closing.

Pronunciation of English Introduction Phrases

For beginners, some phrases might not be pronounced exactly as they are spelled. The phonetic spellings below can help you understand the approximate pronunciation:

These phonetic spellings are only provided as approximations to help you at the beginning. When improving your pronunciation, listening to and repeating the words with their actual English sounds is a more accurate method.

Common Mistakes When Introducing Yourself in English

Some small mistakes are very common, especially at the beginner level. Knowing them in advance helps you master the correct phrases more easily.

“My Name Is Ahmet” or “My Name Is Ahmet Yılmaz”?

How Do You Introduce Yourself in English in Different Situations?

Theoretical knowledge is great, but the only way to learn a language is to speak it. This is exactly where Flalingo provides a safe practice space for you. During a one-on-one lesson with a native English-speaking teacher, you can try out all these phrases you have learned without hesitation.

Some of the features that make Flalingo more than just a language course include:

• Smart Teacher Matching: Instead of getting lost among thousands of profiles, you are presented with the teachers most suited to your interests and goals.

• Quality Educational Materials: Lessons utilize resources that guarantee the best content, and you have access to them.

• 24/7 Live Support: You can get instant help with any questions you might have.

• FLAI (AI Assistant): It allows you to practice speaking after lessons and receive feedback on your mistakes.

To explore in more detail how Flalingo brings these features together into a comprehensive learning experience, you can check out our article on the Flalingo Educational Ecosystem.