Table of Contents
Key Points
- Basic Japanese business phrases help build trust and professionalism
- Understanding politeness levels is essential in Japanese business culture
- Common Japanese greetings are widely used in professional settings
- Business etiquette in Japan values respect, formality, and harmony
- Learning essential Japanese phrases supports smoother international business expansion
Going abroad for business, especially when you do not know the language, can feel overwhelming. Stepping into a new culture, in the hopes of expanding your business, requires not only strategy but also an understanding of essential Japanese business phrases.
Japanese business phrases are a good place to start, as learning some key expressions can help ease communication in professional settings and make you feel more comfortable.
Japan, ranked the fourth-largest economy in 2012, is an excellent place to expand your company. If you’re planning to do business in Japan, knowing essential Japanese words will help you interact with clients and colleagues. Here’s a guide to important phrases, their meanings, and how to use them in your business journey.
Basic Japanese Phrases for Daily Use
The following phrases are commonly used in daily conversations and professional environments. Learning these will make your interactions smoother in both social and business settings.
Common Japanese Greetings in Business Settings
- Ohayō gozaimasu (O-hi-o-go-zai-mas)- Good morning
This greeting is essential when arriving at work or attending early meetings.
- Konnichiwa (kon-knee-chi-wa)- Hello/ good afternoon
A polite greeting suitable for mid-day conversations, both formal and casual.
- Konbanwa (kon-ban-wa)- Good evening
Often used when meeting colleagues or clients in the evening. It’s also one of the most searched phrases, including variants like konbanwa meaning and konbanwa translation.
- Oyasumi nasai (o-ya-su-mi-nah-sigh) – Good night
If you’re wrapping up a business dinner or event, this phrase is the appropriate way to wish someone goodnight.
- 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.
Common Business Japanese Phrases
Mastering common business Japanese phrases is essential for effective professional communication. These expressions reflect Japan’s strong emphasis on respect and harmony, known as Omoiyari.
Essential Japanese Business Expressions
- Arigatou gozaimasu – Thank you (formal gratitude in business settings)
- Hajimemashite / Yoroshiku onegaishimasu – Nice to meet you
- Watashi wa ___ desu – I am ___ (used in professional introductions)
- Wakarimasu / Wakarimasen – I understand / I don’t understand
Related: Tips for learning Japanese as a Second Language
Business Culture Words You Should Know
Learning Japanese business terminology gives professionals a clear advantage when navigating corporate environments.
Sararīman – Japanese white-collar worker
Kaisha – Company
Shachō – Company president or CEO
Keiyaku – Contract or agreement
Politeness Levels in Japanese Business
Politeness levels play a vital role in Japanese professional communication. Business Japanese language varies depending on hierarchy, age, and relationship. Understanding honorific speech and respectful phrasing helps avoid misunderstandings and builds credibility with clients and colleagues.
Practical Tips for Japanese Business Etiquette
Learning the right phrases is only the start. Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes when navigating Japanese work culture:
Key Business Etiquette Practices
- Bowing is expected when greeting, thanking, or apologizing
- Business cards should be exchanged respectfully with both hands
Phone etiquette also matters—phrases like osewa ni narimasu are commonly used to express appreciation for ongoing professional relationships.
Expanding Your Business in Japan
Mastering these Japanese phrases for business can open doors to more meaningful relationships with your Japanese colleagues and clients. From basic greetings to navigating formal conversations, each phrase brings you closer to understanding Japanese business culture and achieving success in international markets.
Knowing some basic Japanese phrases will be useful both when meeting Japanese clients, and when roaming about Japan. For more Japanese phrases, click here.
Related: Japanese Language Forms: Why Formality Matters
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