MOST IMPORTANT JAPANESE PHRASES AND TERMS IN THE OFFICE

If you're considering moving to Japan or starting a business there, understanding key Japanese phrases for the office is crucial. The culture and language in Japan are closely connected, enhancing your cultural agility. Mastering these essential phrases can help you make a positive impression and facilitate conversations with your Japanese colleagues and partners.

This guide presents words and phrases in the following order: hieroglyphic writing, hiragana, Hepburn romanization, and English translation. For instance,

言葉 　ことば 　kotoba 　word

Self Introduction Example

(Japanese) 初めまして。私の名前は（your name）です。よろしくお願いします。

(Romanji) Hajimemashite. Watashi no namae wa（your name）desu. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.

(English) Nice to meet you. My name is （your name). Please treat me kindly.

Hajimemashite means "let me start," similar to "nice to meet you." This is typically followed by a bow.

Watashi no namae wa (your name) desu translates to "My name is (your name)."

Yoroshiku onegai shimasu is a versatile closing phrase used in introductions and to request favors, generally meaning "please treat me kindly."

Daily Phrases

Greet colleagues daily with:

お早うございます。 おはようございます。 Ohayo gozaimasu, meaning “good morning.”

Ask for favors with:

よろしくお願いします。 よろしくおねがいします。 Yoroshiku onegai shimasu, which can mean “Please do it for me,” or “I would appreciate your help.”

When leaving or returning to the office, use:

行ってきます。 いってきます。 Ittekimasu when leaving, meaning "I will go and come back."

行ってらっしゃい。 いってらっしゃい。 Itterasshai in response, meaning "Go and come back safely."

ただいま。 Tadaima when returning, meaning "I have just returned."

お帰りなさい。 おかえりなさい。 O-kaeri-nasai, or simply o-kaeri, meaning "Welcome back."

When leaving the office in the evening, say:

お先に失礼します。 おさきにしつれいします。 O-saki-ni shitsurei shimasu, meaning "I apologize for leaving before you."

Respond with:

お疲れ様でした。おつかれさまでした。O-tsukare-sama deshita, meaning "Thank you for your hard work."

Company Structure Vocabulary

Understand roles in the hierarchical Japanese business environment:

会長 　かいちょう　Kaichou　Chairman

社長　しゃちょう　Shachou　President

副社長　ふくしゃちょう　Fukushachou　Vice President

部長 ぶちょう Buchou Department Manager

課長　かちょう　Kachou　Section Manager

同僚　どうりょう　Douryou　Colleague

部下　ぶか　Buka　Subordinate

Around the Office Vocabulary

Common office terms include:

会議　 かいぎ 　Kaigi　 Meeting

面接 めんせつ Mensetsu Interview

通勤ラッシュ つうきんラッシュ Tsukinrasshu Commuting Rush Hour

会社 かいしゃ Kaisha Office/company

判子?印鑑 はんこ?いんかん Hanko?Inkan Japanese seal

名刺 めいし Meishi Business card

ファクス Fakusu Fax

プリンター Purintaa Printer

コピー機 コピーき Kopiiki Copying machine

電話 でんわ Denwa Telephone

書類 しょるい Shorui Document(s)

保険 ほけん Hoken Insurance

上司 じょうし Jyoushi Superior

部下 ぶか Buka Subordinate

Summary

Words and phrases used in the office in Japan are rather standard. Once you have learned them, these phrases can be used in a wide variety of situations, both in and out of the office. Now you know some basic Japanese terms and phrases, you can ace your first day at work.