Do you know Business Japanese? There are various forms of Japanese, such as Keigo, polite language, and respectful language. Among them is Business Japanese, which is used in the business scene.

This article serves as a perfect guide for learning Business Japanese. Master Business Japanese and let’s get ready to work in Japan!

Greetings

お世話（せわ）になっております。”osewa ni natte orimasu”

Meaning

The phrase roughly translates to "Thank you for your continued support" or "I appreciate your ongoing assistance." It expresses gratitude and acknowledgment for the help or relationship you've received from the person you're addressing.

When to Use

• Emails: It's often used at the beginning of emails, especially in a business context. Even if it's your first time contacting someone, you can use it to show respect for their time and effort.

Example: Starting an email with "お世話になっております。〇〇株式会社の田中です。" ("Osewa ni natte orimasu. This is Tanaka from 〇〇 Corporation.")

• Phone Calls: When making or receiving business calls, it’s used as a polite opening phrase.

Example: When answering the phone, "お世話になっております、〇〇株式会社の田中です。" ("Osewa ni natte orimasu, this is Tanaka from 〇〇 Corporation.")

• Meetings: At the start of a business meeting or when greeting someone you have an ongoing professional relationship with, it helps set a respectful tone.

Example: "お世話になっております、今日はよろしくお願いします。" ("Osewa ni natte orimasu, thank you for your time today.")

ご無沙汰（ぶさた）しております。”gobusata shite orimasu”

Meaning

The phrase translates to "It’s been a while since we last spoke" or "I apologize for not keeping in touch." It’s a way to acknowledge that a significant amount of time has passed since your last communication and to express regret for the lapse.

When to Use

• Emails: When you’re reaching out to someone after a long time, especially in a professional or semi-formal context. It’s a polite way to re-establish contact.

Example: "ご無沙汰しております。〇〇株式会社の田中です。" ("Go-busata shite orimasu. This is Tanaka from 〇〇 Corporation.")

• Phone Calls: If you’re calling someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, it’s a courteous way to start the conversation.

Example: "ご無沙汰しております、久しぶりにお電話させていただきました。" ("Go-busata shite orimasu, I’m calling after a long time.")

• In Person: When you meet someone in person after a long period, it’s a polite greeting that acknowledges the time that has passed.

Example: "ご無沙汰しております、お元気でしたか？" ("Go-busata shite orimasu, how have you been?")

Requests

お手数（てすう）をおかけしますが、よろしくお願（ねが）いいたします。 “otesū o okake shimasu ga, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu”

Meaning

This phrase roughly translates to "Sorry to interrupt, but I appreciate your assistance." It’s used to express gratitude in advance for someone’s help, especially when you know that what you’re asking might take some effort or cause them inconvenience.

When to Use

• Requesting Help: When asking someone to do something that might require extra effort or time, this phrase softens the request and shows that you understand it might be burdensome.

Example: "お手数をおかけしますが、この書類をチェックしていただけますか？" ("Sorry to interrupt, but could you please check these documents?")

• Follow-Up Requests: If you’re following up on a previous request, using this phrase shows that you appreciate the ongoing effort and are mindful of any inconvenience.

Example: "お手数をおかけしますが、進捗状況をお知らせいただけますでしょうか？" ("Sorry to interrupt, but could you please update me on the progress?")

• In Emails: It’s commonly used at the end of an email when you’re asking someone to take action, especially when the request might be a bit of a hassle.

Example: "お手数をおかけしますが、こちらの件についてご対応いただけますと幸いです。" ("Sorry to interrupt, but I would appreciate it if you could handle this matter.")

〇〇していただけますか？”〇〇shite itadake masuka”

Meaning

This phrase translates to "Could you please do 〇〇?" or "Would you be able to do 〇〇?" It’s a respectful way to make a request, especially when you want to be considerate of the other person's time or effort.

When to Use

• Making Polite Requests: Use this phrase when you need to ask someone to do something in a polite and formal manner. It’s appropriate for both professional and personal situations.

Example: "この書類を確認していただけますか？" ("Could you please check this document?")

• Email: It’s often used in emails or written requests to politely ask someone to take action.

Example: "明日までにご返信いただけますか？" ("Could you please reply by tomorrow?")

• In Conversations: When speaking with someone, especially in a business context, using this phrase shows respect and politeness.

Example: "お席をご案内していただけますか？" ("Could you please show me to my seat?")

Other Frequently used Phrases

折（お）り返（かえ）しご連絡（れんらく）いたします。”orikaeshi go renraku itashimasu”

Meaning

The phrase translates to "I will get back to you" or "I will return your call." It’s used to let the other person know that you will contact them again, typically after you have gathered the necessary information or are able to respond more fully.

When to Use

• Telephone Conversations: If you receive a call but need time to check something before giving a response, you can use this phrase to politely tell the caller that you will call them back.

Example: "担当者が席を外しておりますので、折り返しご連絡いたします。" ("The person in charge is away from their desk, so I will return your call.")

• Email: It can also be used in written communication to let someone know that you will follow up with them after gathering more information or consulting with someone.

Example: "詳細を確認してから、折り返しご連絡いたします。" ("I will check the details and get back to you.")

• In-Person Conversations: If you’re speaking with someone and need to follow up later, this phrase is a polite way to assure them that you will be in touch.

Example: "後ほど確認いたしますので、折り返しご連絡いたします。" ("I will confirm this later and get back to you.")

ご迷惑（めいわく）をおかけして申（もう）し訳（わけ）ございません。 “go meiwaku o okake shite mōshiwake gozaimasen”

Meaning

The phrase translates to "I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience" or "I am very sorry for causing trouble." It’s a humble way to express regret and take responsibility for any inconvenience or difficulty you may have caused.

When to Use

• Apologizing for Mistakes: Use this phrase when you or your organization have made a mistake that has inconvenienced someone, such as a client, customer, or colleague.

Example: "注文が遅れてしまい、ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ございません。" ("I apologize for the delay in your order, and I am very sorry for the inconvenience.")

• Service Issues: If there is an issue with a service you are providing, such as a delay or error, this phrase can be used to apologize sincerely.

Example: "システム障害のため、サービスがご利用いただけず、ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ございません。" ("Due to a system failure, the service is unavailable, and I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.")

• In Person or Over the Phone: When speaking directly to someone who has been inconvenienced, this phrase helps convey a deep sense of responsibility and regret.

Example: "ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ございませんが、もう少しお待ちいただけますでしょうか。" ("I apologize for the inconvenience, but could you please wait a little longer?")

Master Business Japanese and Work in Japan!

Business Japanese is considered a fundamental aspect of etiquette in the Japanese business scene. While it’s not commonly used in internal conversations unless the company is very strict, it is generally used in conversations with business partners or clients.

Before you start working in Japan, make sure to review this article and master Business Japanese!