Essential Business Japanese Vocabulary
Mastering business Japanese requires more than just conversational fluency. It involves understanding formal expressions, honorific language (keigo), and specific vocabulary used in professional settings. This guide covers essential terms and phrases for meetings, emails, phone calls, and general business interactions.
Meeting Language
Meetings are a cornerstone of business communication. Using appropriate language shows respect and professionalism.
Opening and Closing Phrases
Expressing Opinions and Agreement
Tip: In meetings, it's common to use humble language (謙譲語 kenjōgo) when referring to your own actions and respectful language (尊敬語 sonkeigo) when referring to others' actions.
Email Phrases
Business emails in Japanese follow a strict format and use set phrases for greetings, requests, and closings.
Subject Lines and Greetings
Making Requests and Inquiries
Closing and Sign-offs
Warning: Avoid using casual email closings like "じゃあね" (jaa ne) or "またね" (mata ne) in business correspondence. Always use formal endings.
Phone Etiquette
Phone communication requires clear, polite language and specific phrases for professional interactions.
Answering and Identifying
Transferring Calls and Taking Messages
Ending Calls Politely
Tip: When answering business calls, it's customary to identify yourself and your company immediately, even if the caller doesn't ask.
Common Business Expressions
These expressions are frequently used in various business contexts and are essential for professional communication.
Daily Professional Phrases
Project and Deadline Terminology
| Japanese | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 進捗状況 | Shinchoku jōkyō | Progress status |
| 納期 | Nōki | Delivery date |
| 期日 | Kijitsu | Deadline |
| 対応する | Taiō suru | To handle/deal with |
Keigo (Honorific Language) in Professional Settings
Keigo is essential in Japanese business culture and consists of three main types: sonkeigo (respectful language), kenjōgo (humble language), and teineigo (polite language).
Sonkeigo (Respectful Language)
Used to elevate the actions of others:
- いる → いらっしゃる (irassharu) - to be (respectful)
- 言う → おっしゃる (ossharu) - to say (respectful)
- する → なさる (nasaru) - to do (respectful)
Kenjōgo (Humble Language)
Used to humble yourself and your actions:
- いる → おる (oru) - to be (humble)
- 言う → 申す (mōsu) - to say (humble)
- する → いたす (itasu) - to do (humble)
Warning: Mixing up sonkeigo and kenjōgo is a common mistake. Remember: sonkeigo elevates others, kenjōgo humbles yourself.
Teineigo (Polite Language)
Standard polite forms using ～ます and ～です:
Tip: When in doubt, teineigo (polite language) is generally safe to use. It's better to be politely formal than to use incorrect honorifics.
Practice
Try converting these casual phrases into appropriate business Japanese:
- 「これ、見て」 (Kore, mite) - "Look at this"
- 「ちょっと待って」 (Chotto matte) - "Wait a moment"
- 「わかった」 (Wakatta) - "I understood"
- 「これでいい？」 (Kore de ii?) - "Is this okay?"
Suggested answers:
- こちらをご覧ください。(Kochira o goran kudasai.)
- 少々お待ちください。(Shōshō omachi kudasai.)
- かしこまりました。(Kashikomarimashita.)
- こちらでよろしいでしょうか。(Kochira de yoroshii deshō ka?)
Summary and Key Takeaways
- Business Japanese requires formal language and specific vocabulary different from casual conversation
- Mastering keigo (honorific language) is essential for professional settings
- Different situations (meetings, emails, phone calls) require specific set phrases
- When in doubt, err on the side of more formal language
- Practice the distinction between sonkeigo (respectful) and kenjōgo (humble) language
- Standard polite expressions (teineigo) are generally acceptable when unsure
- Pay attention to email formatting and phone etiquette conventions
Remember that showing respect through appropriate language is highly valued in Japanese business culture. Consistent practice and exposure to professional contexts will help you become more comfortable with these essential business Japanese expressions.