The Basics: Polite Greetings and Introductions
Start strong. A sloppy greeting sets the wrong tone. Use these:
- おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu) – Good morning (formal)
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Good afternoon
- はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – Nice to meet you (first-time introductions)
- よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – Literally 'I ask for your favour'. Used to close introductions or requests.
Pro tip: Bow slightly when greeting. Depth = formality. Don’t overdo it unless meeting the CEO.
Navigating Hierarchy: Titles Matter
Japanese business culture is hierarchical. Use:
様 (Sama)
[jo̞ː]“Honorific for high-status individuals”
Reserved for clients, CEOs, or anyone significantly above your rank. Overkill for colleagues.
さん (San)
/saɴ/“Standard honorific”
Safe for most colleagues. Neutral and polite.
Avoid first names unless invited. Even then, add -san.
Key Phrases for Smooth Meetings
| Situation | Phrase | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starting the meeting | それでは始めましょう (Sore dewa hajimemashō) | "Let’s begin." Wait for senior staff to nod first. |
| Asking for input | ご意見をお願いします (Go-iken o onegaishimasu) | "Please share your thoughts." Direct questions can seem aggressive. |
| Disagreeing politely | 少し考えが違います (Sukoshi kangae ga chigaimasu) | "Our opinions differ slightly." Softens the blow. |
Avoid These Mistakes
- Interrupting. Silence ≠ disapproval. Wait for pauses.
- Overusing はい (Hai). It means "I’m listening," not always "I agree."
- Direct refusals. Say 検討します (Kentō shimasu) ("We’ll consider it") instead of "no."
Bonus: Post-Meeting Etiquette
Send a follow-up email with 本日はありがとうございました (Honjitsu wa arigatō gozaimashita) ("Thank you for today"). Mention key points to show you were listening.
Remember: Fluency isn’t the goal - cultural competence is. A few well-placed phrases earn more respect than perfect grammar.
For mastering pitch accent (so you don’t accidentally say "bridge" instead of "chopsticks"), see our guide on Japanese pitch accent.
