Business Japanese: Essential Phrases & Etiquette for Professionals

If you're planning to work in Japan or communicate professionally with Japanese colleagues, mastering business Japanese (ビジネス日本語) is crucial. From polite phrases to cultural etiquette, this guide will help you navigate the Japanese corporate world with confidence.

1. Essential Business Greetings & Politeness Phrases

Politeness is key in Japanese business culture. These common phrases will help you start conversations right:

  • おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning

  • お世話になっております (Osewa ni natte orimasu) – Thank you for your continued support

  • よろしくお願いいたします (Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) – I look forward to working with you

  • 失礼いたします (Shitsurei itashimasu) – Excuse me / I’ll be leaving now

🔹 Cultural Note: Bowing is the standard greeting in Japan. A deeper bow shows higher respect, especially in business interactions.

2. Keigo: Polite & Honorific Language

Japanese business communication often involves keigo (敬語), or honorific speech. There are three types:

  • 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo): Used to show respect for others (e.g., おっしゃる (ossharu) instead of 言う (iu) for "to say").

  • 謙譲語 (Kenjougo): Humble language used to lower oneself (e.g., 申す (mousu) instead of 言う (iu) for "to say").

  • 丁寧語 (Teineigo): Polite speech used in most business settings (e.g., 食べます (tabemasu) instead of 食べる (taberu)).

3. Common Business Meeting Phrases

Business meetings in Japan follow a structured and polite tone. These phrases will help you communicate effectively:

  • 本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます (Honjitsu wa o-jikan o itadaki arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you for your time today.

  • ご説明させていただきます (Go-setsumei sasete itadakimasu) – Allow me to explain.

  • いかがでしょうか? (Ikaga deshou ka?) – What do you think?

  • よろしくお願いいたします (Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) – I appreciate your cooperation.

🔹 Tip: During meetings, taking notes (メモを取る, memo o toru) is essential to show attentiveness and professionalism.

4. Email Etiquette in Japanese Business

Writing professional emails in Japanese follows a specific structure:

  1. Greeting: お世話になっております (Osewa ni natte orimasu)

  2. Introduction: Who you are and why you are emailing.

  3. Main Content: Clearly state your request or information.

  4. Closing: 宜しくお願いいたします (Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) / どうぞよろしくお願いいたします (Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu)

5. Business Etiquette & Cultural Norms

  • Exchanging Business Cards (名刺交換, Meishi Koukan): Hold your business card with both hands and receive others' with both hands while bowing slightly.

  • Punctuality: Arriving 5–10 minutes early is expected in Japanese business settings.

  • Gift Giving (お土産, Omiyage): Bringing small gifts from your home country is a great way to build rapport with Japanese colleagues.

6. Master Business Japanese with Nihongo Master

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