What are key phrases for formal Japanese business meetings
Essential Japanese Communication Skills for Business Professionals: What are key phrases for formal Japanese business meetings
Key formal Japanese business meeting phrases include:
- 会議を始めましょうか。 (Kaigi o hajimemashō ka.) — “Shall we start the meeting?”
- 今日の議題は___です。 (Kyō no gidai wa ___ desu.) — “Today’s agenda is ___.”
- さん、プレゼンをお願いします。 (-san, purezen o onegai shimasu.) — “Mr./Ms. ___, please start the presentation.”
- この事案について、何か意見はありますか。 (Kono jian ni tsuite, nani ka iken wa arimasu ka.) — “Do you have any opinions/questions on this matter?”
- ただいまより会議を始めさせていただきます (Tadaima yori kaigi wo hajimesasete itadakimasu) — “We will now begin the meeting.” (very polite)
- 本日はお忙しい中お集まりいただき、ありがとうございます (Honjitsu wa oisogashii naka oatsumari itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu) — “Thank you for taking the time to attend this meeting despite your busy schedules.”
- 議題に入らせていただきます (Gidai ni hairasete itadakimasu) — “Let’s move on to the agenda.”
- ご確認ください (Go kakunin kudasai) — “Please confirm.”
- 承知いたしました (Shōchi itashimashita) — “Understood.” (formal acknowledgment)
- どうぞよろしくお願いいたします (Dōzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) — “I look forward to working with you.” (formal closing)
- ご多忙の中、お時間をいただきありがとうございます (Go-tabō no naka, ojikan o itadaki arigatō gozaimasu) — “Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule.”
For greetings and introductions:
- 初めまして。〇〇（会社名）の△△と申します。 (Hajimemashite. ___ (Company) no ___ to mōshimasu.) — “Nice to meet you. I’m ___ from ___.”
- お世話になっております。 (Osewa ni natte orimasu.) — “Thank you for your continued support.” (used for clients/business partners)
When ending a meeting or conversation:
- 失礼いたします (Shitsurei itashimasu) — “Excuse me for leaving.” (polite closing)
Politeness and humility are key, often shown through honorific language like させていただきます (sasete itadakimasu) and humble verbs such as 申します (mōshimasu) and いたします (itashimasu).