Introduction: Mastering Business Japanese for Professional Success
Working in Japan or doing business with Japanese clients? Then you need to speak and write in a professional and polite way. Business Japanese is very different from casual Japanese (タメ口, tameguchi)—it follows strict etiquette and requires keigo (敬語, けいご), the language of politeness.
But don’t worry! You don’t need to be perfect—even Japanese people find business language challenging. The key is knowing the right phrases and using them with confidence.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔️ Common business greetings & self-introductions
✔️ Polite phrases for meetings, emails, and phone calls
✔️ How to use keigo (敬語) properly in business settings
✔️ Essential workplace vocabulary
By the end, you’ll feel more confident communicating in a Japanese office or professional setting. Let’s get started!
1. Business Japanese Greetings & Self-Introductions
Basic Business Greetings
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| おはようございます | Ohayō gozaimasu | Good morning | Used in the morning at work |
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Good afternoon | Standard greeting |
| お疲れ様です | Otsukaresama desu | Thank you for your hard work | Used with colleagues |
| いってきます | Ittekimasu | I’m leaving (work) | When leaving the office |
| いってらっしゃい | Itterasshai | Please go and come back | Said to someone leaving |
| ただいま戻りました | Tadaima modorimashita | I have returned | When coming back to the office |
| お先に失礼します | Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu | Excuse me for leaving first | When leaving before others |
Key Point: Japanese workplaces use set phrases for daily interactions. Even if you don’t understand everything, responding with a simple 「お疲れ様です」(Otsukaresama desu) is always safe!
Self-Introduction in a Business Setting
When meeting a client or new colleague, a formal self-introduction (自己紹介, じこしょうかい – jikoshōkai) is expected.
Example: Formal Self-Introduction (First Time Meeting a Client)
はじめまして。ABC会社の田中と申します。営業部で働いております。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
(Hajimemashite. ABC gaisha no Tanaka to mōshimasu. Eigyō-bu de hataraite orimasu. Dōzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.)
Translation:
“Nice to meet you. My name is Tanaka from ABC Corporation. I work in the Sales Department. I look forward to working with you.”
Key Phrases to Remember:
✔️ と申します (to mōshimasu) = More polite way to say “My name is ___.”
✔️ 働いております (hataraite orimasu) = More polite than 働いています (hataraite imasu) for “I work in ___.”
✔️ どうぞよろしくお願いいたします (Dōzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) = Extremely polite way to say “I appreciate your cooperation.”
2. Keigo: How to Speak Politely in Business Situations
Keigo (敬語, けいご) is polite Japanese and is required in professional settings. There are three types of keigo:
Three Types of Keigo in Business Japanese
Sonkeigo (尊敬語, そんけいご) – Respectful language (Used when speaking about superiors or clients)
Kenjōgo (謙譲語, けんじょうご) – Humble language (Used to lower yourself when talking about your own actions)
Teineigo (丁寧語, ていねいご) – Standard polite language (Used in general business communication)
Examples of Keigo Usage
| English | Casual | Polite (Teineigo) | Respectful (Sonkeigo) | Humble (Kenjōgo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To say | 言う (Iu) | 言います (Iimasu) | おっしゃる (Ossharu) | 申す (Mōsu) |
| To do | する (Suru) | します (Shimasu) | なさる (Nasaru) | いたす (Itasu) |
| To go | 行く (Iku) | 行きます (Ikimasu) | いらっしゃる (Irassharu) | 参る (Mairu) |
| To see | 見る (Miru) | 見ます (Mimasu) | ご覧になる (Goran ni naru) | 拝見する (Haiken suru) |
Key Tip: When talking about yourself or your company, use kenjōgo (humble language). When talking to or about a client, use sonkeigo (respectful language).
3. Essential Phrases for Business Emails & Phone Calls
Writing a Formal Business Email in Japanese
Common Email Opening & Closing Phrases
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| Dear Mr./Ms. ___ | 〇〇様 (〇〇-sama) |
| Thank you for your email. | お世話になっております。(Osewa ni natte orimasu.) |
| I look forward to your response. | ご返信をお待ちしております。(Gohenshin o omachi shite orimasu.) |
| Best regards, | どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。(Dōzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.) |
Making a Business Phone Call in Japanese
“Hello, this is ___ from ABC Company.”
もしもし、ABC会社の田中と申します。
(Moshi moshi, ABC gaisha no Tanaka to mōshimasu.)
“May I speak to Mr. Yamada?”
山田様はいらっしゃいますか？
(Yamada-sama wa irasshaimasu ka?)
“Thank you for your time.”
お時間をいただき、ありがとうございました。
(Ojikan o itadaki, arigatō gozaimashita.)
Conclusion: Become Confident in Business Japanese!
Business Japanese can seem challenging, but by learning key phrases, keigo, and workplace etiquette, you’ll be able to communicate confidently in a professional setting.
Challenge: Try introducing yourself in formal Japanese today!
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Disclaimer: Business etiquette varies by company, so always observe how colleagues speak and adapt accordingly.
