So, I’m aware that Japan is not just “the anime country” and that people don’t act and talk like an anime character. However, I did see that some women in anime (specifically more tomboyish/casual women) would say “boku”. I’ve also seen the standard “watashi” and “atashi” for women, but I’m generally more tomboyish and was wondering if it was weird to introduce myself like 「僕は五月です。」(Boku wa Satsuki desu).
My real name isn’t actually Satsuki as I’m not Japanese, I’m just using the character’s name as a pseudonym.
Again, I know people don’t talk like anime characters, but I still wanna make sure it’s not weird to address myself as that just because I’m a tomboy. Or is it similar to someone in one of my languages saying “Tô confuso” as a woman? (“I’m confused” but said as a man, tô confusa is correct for a woman).
@satsunami it’s my understanding that boku is used more in anime and music than real life, and that it’s mainly used by children.
Also, if you’re introducing yourself, I believe there are more natural sounding ways to do it. Just say your name and then desu. Pronouns aren’t used as much in Japanese as in English.
Ahh, I get it. I will probably just say “(name) desu” then
Go with that or “(name) to moushimasu” depending on your audience. “~to moushimasu” is very frequently used even if you might feel that it seems overly formal. For sure casual? Desu. Any uncertainty or mixed company? Moushimasu.
Just to clarify, it’s used less because subjects and objects can also be inferred by context, not because we avoid pronouns specifically.
It’s still proper in business situations to make it clear who is doing what.
Just today, I had a meeting and people used jibun, watashi, boku, heisha, onsha, etc…
Very much this. In real conversation, pronouns are very rarely used at all.