Going abroad for business, especially when you do not know the language, can feel overwhelming. You are stepping into a new culture, in the hopes of expanding your business to new markets. While there is a lot you can do to prepare for such an adventure, a good place to start would be learning some key phrases. In doing so, you will feel more comfortable in the new environment.
Japan, ranked the fourth-largest economy in 2012, can be a good place to expand your company abroad. If you are interested in broadening your company by marketing in Japan, these Japanese phrases can be useful once you begin interacting with native Japanese people.
Basic Phrases
The following phrases are used quite commonly in Japan. If you plan on staying in Japan for your business, these phrases will help you on a daily basis.
Ohayō gozaimasu (O-hi-o-go-zai-mas)- Good morning
Konnichiwa (kon-knee-chi-wa)- Hello/ good afternoon
Konbanwa (kon-ban-wa)- Good evening
Oyasumi nasai (o-ya-su-mi-nah-sigh) – Good night
Sumimasen (Sum-me-mah-sen)- Excuse me/ sorry
Sumimasen can be used for multiple purposes, including getting someone’s attention, apologizing and saying thanks. This expression is used frequently in daily conversations.
Gomen nasai (go-men-nah-sigh)- Sorry.
Arigatou/domo arigatou/domo arigatou gozaimasu (dough-mo-ah-ri-gah-toe-go-zai-mas)- Thank you
There are variations on how to say “Thank you” in Japanese. The longer forms are more formal. Use domo arigatou gozaimasu when someone does a large favor for you.
Hajimemashite (ha-gee-me-mah-she-te), Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (yo-ro-shi-ku-on-knee-gai-she-mas)- Nice to meet you
In Japan, self-introductions (jikoshoukai) are a common ritual. Hajimemashite is used to open the self-introduction and yoroshiku onegaishimasu closes the self-introduction.
Watashi wa ___ desu (wah-tah-she-wah-_____des)- I am ______.
O genki desu ka? (o-gen-ki-des-ka)-How are you?
Hai, genki desu. (high-gen-ki-des)- I’m fine, thank you.
Wakarimasu (wa-ka-ri-mas) – I understand.
Wakarimasen (wa-ka-ri-ma-sen)- I don’t understand.
Sayonara (Sah-yo-na-ra)- Good bye.
Business Culture Words
Here are some additional Japanese words that you may hear in a business setting.
Sararīman (Sa-rah-ree-man)- Japanese white collar business man
Kaisha (ka-eye-sha)- company
Shachō (sha-choe)- company president
Keiyaku (Kay-yah-ku)- agreement/contract
Knowing some basic Japanese phrases will be useful both when meeting Japanese clients, and when roaming about Japan. For more Japanese phrases, click here.
