How to Write Your Name in Japanese: Katakana Spellings Explained

Foreign names are written in Japanese with katakana, spelled by how the name sounds, not how it’s written in English. So Michael becomes マイケル (maikeru) and Sarah becomes サラ (sara). Because Japanese has fewer sounds than English, most names change a little: an L becomes an R, a final consonant gets a vowel added, and long vowels are marked with a dash. There’s often more than one acceptable spelling, so the right one depends on how you actually say your name. Here’s how it works, with examples and the mistakes to avoid.

Why katakana?

Japanese uses three scripts. Katakana is the one for words and names from other languages, so it’s what you’ll see on forms, name badges, bank cards and coffee cups. If you haven’t learned it yet, our guide to learning hiragana and katakana takes about two weeks.

Common names in katakana

The rules that change your name

• L and R are the same sound. Both become the Japanese R row: Laura is ローラ.
• Consonants need vowels. Apart from N, Japanese syllables end in a vowel, so Mark becomes マーク (māku).
• Long vowels get a dash. The ー in トーマス stretches the sound.
• TH becomes S or Z. Beth is usually ベス.
• V is often B. Victoria is commonly ビクトリア, though ヴィクトリア also exists.
• Small kana make new sounds. フィ (fi), ティ (ti) and ジェ (je) let katakana get closer to foreign names.

Spell it the way you say it

Katakana follows pronunciation, so the same written name can have different spellings. Laura said the English way is ローラ; said the Spanish, Italian or German way it’s ラウラ. Michael is マイケル in English but ミハエル or ミカエル in other languages. Choose the spelling that matches how you introduce yourself, then use it consistently.

Can I have a kanji name?

Some people pick kanji that sound like their name, for example for a stamp or as a nickname. It can be fun, but meanings matter: kanji chosen only for sound can carry odd or unlucky meanings. Officially, foreign residents’ names are generally written in the Roman alphabet, with katakana used on many forms, unless they come from a country that uses kanji. If you want a kanji version for personal use, ask a native speaker to check the meaning first. The same goes for Japanese tattoos.

Using your name in Japan

• Keep one spelling on your forms, bank account, phone contract and work documents to avoid mismatches.
• Family name order. Japanese puts the family name first. On forms you may see 姓 (family name) and 名 (given name) as separate boxes.
• A name stamp. Many foreign residents get a はんこ made in katakana for paperwork.
• Introduce yourself clearly. Say your name slowly, the Japanese way, so people can write it. See how to introduce yourself in Japanese.

How Hanabuddies can help

Not sure how to spell your name, or want a kanji version checked for meaning? Our native Japanese team can help, and in a first lesson our tutors will teach you to read and write your name and introduce yourself naturally. Your first 15 minutes are free.