Basics and a list of honorifics used in business Japanese! Examples, alternative expressions, and how to avoid common mistakes. | blog

Have you ever felt unsure whether you're using honorifics correctly in a business setting? According to one survey, many working adults say they "lack confidence in their use of honorifics," and especially among new employees and younger staff, there is a growing number of people who have experienced a decline in their evaluation due to incorrect expressions or the use of double honorifics.

 

In fact, failing to use appropriate honorifics when interacting with superiors or clients can lead to significant losses in terms of trust and business etiquette. Many people struggle with words like "your company," "your firm," and "I would like to inquire," which have different meanings in everyday life and in business, and with knowing how to use them appropriately in different situations such as emails, conversations, meetings, and phone calls.

 

However, mastering proper honorific language offers numerous benefits that directly contribute to career advancement, such as improving first impressions and strengthening relationships. Using appropriate expressions will undoubtedly change how you are perceived and what results you achieve.

 

This article covers everything from the basics of business Japanese and honorific language to a list of commonly used honorifics, alternative expressions, and easily confused honorifics. By reading to the end, you'll be able to confidently use business honorifics starting tomorrow.

Basic Knowledge of Business Japanese and Honorifics: Types, Definitions, and Social Roles

An overview of the position and classification of honorifics in business Japanese

In business Japanese, honorific language is essential for building trust with others and for smooth communication in the workplace. Language guidelines classify honorific language into five categories, and accurate usage is particularly important in business settings. In recent years, instruction based on this classification has become mainstream in business etiquette training. Mastering correct honorific language will lead to smoother interactions with clients, superiors, and colleagues, and improve your reputation as a professional.

 

Five classifications and characteristics of honorific language, humble language (special/supervisory), polite language, and beautifying language.

 

Honorific language can be classified into the following five types:

 

classification	Purpose	example
Honorific language	To enhance the opponent's actions and state.	To say, to be, to see
Humble language	Describe your actions in a subtle way.	To go, to say, to visit
Special humble language (special)	My actions for the sake of others	To give, to bring
Humble language (supervision)	Intermediation and referral scenes	To guide, to inform
Polite language	Add a more polite way of speaking.	desu, masu, gozaimasu
Beautiful words	Decorating words beautifully	Food, flowers, alcohol

 

Understanding this classification and using the appropriate form for each situation is fundamental to business Japanese.

 

The difference between business and everyday polite language; the necessity of business Japanese and polite language.

 

Business etiquette places more emphasis on accuracy and formality than everyday language. For example, while you might use "I'll go" with a friend, in a business setting you need to choose "I'll visit" or "I'll come." In business emails, using polite language at the beginning and end is essential and directly contributes to building trust with clients and superiors. Using polite language in the workplace is a matter of professional etiquette and contributes to maintaining the credibility of the entire organization.

 

Reasons why polite language is required in business and key points for determining subject-based sentence structure.

The primary reason why polite language is required in business is that it clearly shows respect to others, both inside and outside the company. The appropriate polite language changes depending on whether the subject is "myself" or "the other person," making situational judgment crucial. Especially in emails, meetings, and business negotiations, the correct use of polite language forms the foundation of trust.

 

Rules for distinguishing between the subject (the other person, oneself, or a third party)

 

When using polite language, it is important to clearly state the subject.

 

• When the other person is the subject: Use honorific language (e.g., "The department head will be coming").
• When I am the subject: Use humble language or special humble language (e.g., I will "visit").
• When a third party is the subject: Use honorific language if the subject is close to the other person, and humble language if the subject is close to yourself.

 

Being mindful of this rule can help prevent misunderstandings and unintentional rudeness.

 

The role of polite language in the workplace, with clients, and during job hunting, and its effect on improving impression.

 

Using polite language correctly in the workplace helps build good relationships with superiors and colleagues. Polite language also influences the impression and trustworthiness you make in phone calls, emails, and meetings with clients. In job hunting, using polite language with interviewers is a key evaluation point. Correct use of polite language gives the impression of being a "competent person" and a "trustworthy person," which affects career advancement and the success rate of business negotiations.

 

• Workplace: Building team trust, improving work efficiency
• Business partners: Maintaining the credibility of the organization's brand.
• Job hunting: Improving evaluation and success rates

 

Mastering polite business Japanese will enable you to handle a wide range of situations smoothly and enhance your value as a working professional.

 

Business Etiquette Guide: A Complete Coverage of Basic Conversion Tables and Frequently Used Expressions

A list of frequently used honorific expressions (categorized by verbs, nouns, and company-related expressions)

Conversion table for honorific, humble, and polite forms of verbs such as "to do," "to say," "to go," "to see," and "to hear."

 

By accurately mastering the polite forms of verbs frequently used in everyday business situations, you can convey respect to others. Use the conversion table below to choose the appropriate expression for each situation.

 

Basic form	Honorific language	Humble language	Polite language	Main usage scenarios
do	do	do it	I will	Business reports, requests, proposals
say	What you say	I would like to say	I say	Report, Contact
go	Are you there?	I'm coming.	I'm going.	Visits, business trips, travel
come	Are you there?	Go/Visit	I'm coming.	Visitors, coming to the office
look	View	I will take a look.	I will watch it.	Document review and checking
listen	Listen	To inquire/to listen	I'll listen.	Hearing, questions
eat	To eat	I will	I will eat.	Business dinners, entertaining clients
know	As you know	I know/I know	I know	Information sharing, guidance

 

This chart is also ideal as an introduction to business etiquette and can be immediately used in conversations and emails with colleagues and clients.

 

List of polite expressions for referring to organizations and groups

 

In business, using polite language to refer to organizations and groups is also important. Using appropriate terminology when referring to your own or the other party's affiliation enhances trust.

 

general expression	A polite expression used to refer to the other party.	A polite way of referring to one's own company	Other uses
company	Your company	Our company	Both written and oral communication
store	shop	Our store	Customer service and business partners
bank	Your Bank	Our bank	financial industry
school	your school	Main school	education industry
hospital	Your hospital	Our hospital	Medical industry

 

• "御社" (Onsha) is commonly used verbally, while "貴社" (Kisha) is commonly used in written form.
• Our company or our firm is used to refer to our own company.
• Let's also learn the terminology used in different industries.

 

A list of business polite expressions and phrases for different situations.

Examples of rephrasing basic forms into business-appropriate polite language (over 20 selections)

 

This document compiles examples of commonly used phrases in business emails and conversations, rephrased from their basic forms into polite language. Accurate use of polite language demonstrates consideration and builds trust with the recipient.

 

• Understood → I understand.
• I will confirm → I will confirm
• Send → We will send
• I know → I am aware
• Please → We humbly request
• I received it → I received it.
• I saw it → I have seen it.
• I will tell you → I will inform you
• I will go → I will visit
• I'm going home → Excuse me
• I don't know → I don't know
• Thank you → Thank you very much
• Excuse me → I'm very sorry
• What will you do? → What would you like to do?
• Can you do it? → Is it possible?
• Please come → Please come
• Please help me → Would you be willing to cooperate?
• I will speak → I will speak to you.
• Please consider it → We would appreciate your consideration.
• Understood.
• I will take a day off → I will be taking a day off

 

Using appropriate polite phrases for each situation will improve your credibility and relationships in the business world. Practice converting between basic forms and polite forms regularly so that you can use them naturally.

 

Business Email Etiquette: Correct Wording and Examples for Subject Lines, Body, and Closings

Rules and key points for using polite expressions in business emails.

In business emails, it's essential to use appropriate honorifics depending on the recipient and situation. For external emails, choose more polite and formal expressions, while for internal emails, strive for concise and appropriate honorifics. Using consistent honorifics from the subject line and opening greetings to requests and closing remarks enhances credibility. The following are specific points to consider.

 

• External contact: Start with standard greetings such as "Thank you for your continued support" or "It's been a while."
• Within the company: Use appropriate politeness depending on your department and position, such as "Thank you for your continued support."
• Main text: Clearly and carefully communicate the purpose and details of the request.
• Closing: Conclude with expressions of gratitude and a request for future communication.

 

Using appropriate honorific language is a fundamental aspect of business etiquette.

 

Greetings (Thank you for your continued support / It's been a while) / Request (Please confirm)

 

The appropriate polite expressions for greetings and requests should be chosen based on your relationship with the recipient and the situation.

 

greeting

 

• Thank you for your continued support: Widely used both internally and externally.
• It's been a while: Perfect for exchanging messages after a long time.

 

request

 

• Please note: When checking documents and files
• We would appreciate your cooperation: when requesting assistance.
• I would appreciate your guidance on: When seeking knowledge or information.

 

By using these appropriately, you can convey respect and consideration to the other person.

 

Examples and templates of polite language for apology, thank you, and report emails.

 

When writing apology, thank-you, or report emails, it's important to choose appropriate polite language depending on the content.

 

apology

 

• We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
• I offer my deepest apologies.

 

Thank you

 

• Thank you very much for your assistance.
• Thank you for your cooperation.

 

report

 

• I would like to inform you of this.
• We will contact you regarding the progress.

 

Example expression:

 

Purpose	Examples of polite language
apology	We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Thank you	Thank you very much for your prompt reply.
report	I would like to report on the progress.

 

By using appropriate templates, you can effectively convey your feelings and sincerity to the other party without damaging trust.

 

Commonly misused phrases and expressions in business emails

This article summarizes common phrases used in business emails and expressions that are often misused. Choosing the correct honorific expressions will give the recipient a thoughtful and polite impression.

 

• We will contact you (correct expression) / "We will contact you" (be careful as this is overly polite)
• Understood (correct expression) / "Got it" (too casual for business)
• "I will send it" (correct expression) / "I will send it" (not polite enough)

 

Common mistakes include using excessive or double honorifics, or carelessly using casual expressions. In business emails, it's crucial to choose appropriate language depending on the recipient and the situation.

 

A list of polite expressions (phrases suitable for business emails)

 

This is a list of polite expressions commonly used in business emails.

 

basic expression	Polite rephrasing
send	We will send it to you.
I'll take it.	I'll enjoy having this
I know	I am aware of it.
got it	Understood.
you can't	I cannot do that.
thank you	Thank you very much.

 

Using polite language consciously will improve the overall impression of your email.

 

Mastering proper honorific language will facilitate smooth business email communication and help build trust.

 

Business Etiquette in the Workplace and Conversations: A Practical Guide for Different Situations

How to use polite language in phone calls, meetings, and face-to-face interactions

In business, it's essential to use appropriate honorifics depending on the situation and the person you're speaking to. Especially in phone calls, face-to-face meetings, and conferences, where first impressions are crucial, accurate and polite language is indispensable.

 

In telephone conversations, standard phrases such as "Thank you for your continued support" and "Excuse me, but..." are frequently used. In meetings and face-to-face interactions, using softer expressions when acknowledging what is being said, making requests, or apologizing can show consideration for the other person.

 

The table below summarizes examples of polite language used in typical situations.

 

scene	Usage example	point
phone	Thank you for calling.	Clearly state your name and express your gratitude.
meeting	Could you please share your opinion?	Show respect to the other person
face to face	I apologize for the inconvenience, but please check this.	Careful requests and confirmations are essential.

 

Polite phrases to use with your boss, colleagues, and clients

In the workplace, it's crucial to use appropriate honorifics depending on the person you're speaking to and your relationship with them. Different approaches are needed when speaking to superiors and clients compared to when speaking politely to colleagues and subordinates. Below are some examples of phrases commonly used in daily work.

 

To my boss

 

• Thank you for your instructions.
• We apologize for the inconvenience, but thank you for your cooperation.

 

To our business partners

 

• Thank you very much for contacting us.
• We would appreciate your consideration.

 

To my colleague

 

• Thank you for your hard work and cooperation.

 

To my subordinates

 

• Thank you for your assistance.
• Thank you for your continued support.

 

By using these phrases appropriately depending on the person you're talking to, you can build trust more easily and ensure that your work proceeds more smoothly.

 

Workplace language use and manners for working professionals

Mastering proper language use is fundamental to being a trustworthy business person. By using polite, respectful, and humble language appropriately according to the situation, you can effectively express respect for others.

 

• When reporting: I would like to report/I would like to inform you
• When making a request: Could you please handle this for me? / Thank you very much.
• When apologizing: I am very sorry for the inconvenience I have caused / I offer my deepest apologies.

 

wording	Specific example
Polite language	Yes, It is, ~
Honorific language	To say, to do, to see
Humble language	To say, to ask, to give

 

Choosing appropriate words for each person and situation helps build trust and facilitate smooth communication.

 

Tips for using polite language in business conversations and how to respond depending on the person you're talking to.

In business conversations, it's important to choose your language appropriately depending on the other person's position. When speaking to superiors, be mindful of using honorifics and humble language, while with subordinates and colleagues, avoid using overly polite language to maintain a suitable distance.

 

Superiors/Business partners

 

1. I apologize for bothering you during your busy schedule.
2. I would appreciate it if you could check this.

 

Colleagues/subordinates

 

1. Thank you for your cooperation.
2. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

The important thing is to be considerate of the other person and to use natural language. Pay attention to the other person's reactions during the conversation and choose appropriate polite language.

 

Polite expressions and honorifics that can be used when making phone calls or visiting someone.

When making phone calls or visiting someone, using polite language and honorific Japanese expressions effectively can create a better impression.

 

Examples from phone calls

 

• This is ○○.
• Could you please wait a moment?
• We apologize for the inconvenience.

 

Examples of visits

 

• Thank you for your time.
• Excuse me.

 

 

 

scene	Examples of polite expressions	Examples of the use of honorific words
phone	Thank you for your time	Thank you for your time and trouble.
visit	I came to pay my respects.	Visit and delivery

 

By appropriately incorporating honorifics (such as "o" and "go") to improve the quality of your language, you can further enhance the impression of trustworthiness and politeness.

 

Commonly misused business honorifics: Examples of misuse and points for correcting double honorifics

Examples of misuse of honorific language and their correct corrections (comparison table)

In business settings, misuse of honorific language is frequently observed, and it's necessary to rephrase these mistakes using correct expressions. The table below compares common mistakes with correct honorific expressions. Please use this as a reference in your daily work.

 

Examples of misuse	Correct honorific language	Explanation
We will contact you.	We will contact you.	Overuse of "させていただく"
I would like to ask you about it.	I will come.	Double honorifics
I got it.	Understood.	Inappropriate for superiors
What you say	What you say	Double honorifics
Could you please confirm this?	Could you please check this?	Pay attention to how you use the subject.

 

In business settings, the misuse of "saseteいただく" (a polite but often incorrect way of saying "I would like to do this") and double honorifics are particularly common.

 

Correction points for double honorifics (ossharareru and ukagawasete itadaku)

Double honorifics are expressions that sound unnatural due to the overuse of honorifics. Mastering their correct usage will create a better impression.

 

Examples of mistakes	Correct expression	point
What you say	What you say	"Osharu" is an honorific expression.
I would like to come and see you.	I will come.	"Ukagau" is a humble form of speech.
To eat	To eat	"To eat" is sufficient.

 

Using double honorifics can easily make the other person feel uncomfortable, so try to use simple honorific expressions.

Company Profile

Company Name: Japanese Learning Support LLC
Location: 2F, Shinjuku Entre Salon Building, 2-12-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
Phone number: 03-6881-9842