Why Business Keigo Is Non-Negotiable
In the Japanese business world, language is inseparable from professionalism. Using casual Japanese in a business meeting is not merely informal; it is considered a sign of incompetence or disrespect. Keigo in business contexts goes beyond the standard polite forms taught in textbooks. It includes specific set phrases, humble expressions for your own company, and respectful language for the client's company that follow strict conventions.
The good news is that business keigo is largely formulaic. Once you memorize the key patterns and phrases, you can handle most standard workplace situations confidently.
Self-Introduction in Business Settings
The business self-introduction (jikoshoukai, 自己紹介) follows a precise format:
- Hajimemashite (初めまして) - How do you do (first meeting)
- [Company name] no [your name] to moushimasu (〇〇の〇〇と申します) - I am [name] from [company]. Note: moushimasu is the humble form of "to be called."
- Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu (どうぞよろしくお願いいたします) - Please treat me favorably. This ultra-polite closing is essential.
Essential Meeting Phrases
- Osewa ni natte orimasu (お世話になっております) - Thank you for your ongoing support. Said at the start of business conversations with external contacts.
- Otsukare sama desu (お疲れ様です) - Acknowledging effort. Used within your company when greeting colleagues.
- Shitsurei itashimasu (失礼いたします) - Excuse me (humble). Used when entering or leaving a room, interrupting, or ending a phone call.
- Kashikomarimashita (かしこまりました) - Understood (very polite). Used to acknowledge instructions or requests from a superior or client.
- Moushiwake gozaimasen (申し訳ございません) - I sincerely apologize. The most formal level of apology in business.
Email Keigo Essentials
Japanese business emails follow strict structural conventions. The opening always acknowledges the relationship: itsumo osewa ni natte orimasu (いつもお世話になっております). The closing typically includes a request for continued support: kongo tomo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu (今後ともよろしくお願いいたします). Between these bookends, use humble forms for your own actions and respectful forms for the recipient's actions consistently throughout.
Company Reference Rules
How you refer to companies in business keigo matters enormously:
- Your own company: heisha (弊社, our humble company) or tousha (当社, our company)
- The other party's company: kisha (貴社, in writing) or onsha (御社, in speech) - both mean "your esteemed company"
Never use kisha in speech or onsha in writing. This distinction trips up even advanced learners.
Phone Call Basics
Answering a business phone call requires specific phrases: Odenwa arigatou gozaimasu, [company name] no [your name] de gozaimasu (お電話ありがとうございます、〇〇の〇〇でございます). When transferring a call: shoutshou omachi kudasaimase (少々お待ちくださいませ). When the requested person is unavailable: ainiku seki wo hazushite orimasu (あいにく席を外しております).
For detailed definitions and usage examples of business vocabulary, explore KotobaPeek.