Practical Japanese language skills

Daily Life
Business Japanese
Basic Phrases
How to Write Emails

When you start living and working in Japan, you'll come across expressions in Japanese that are different from those in textbooks, as well as many unfamiliar words.
In addition to your regular studies, the quickest way to master natural Japanese is to learn by speaking directly with Japanese people!

Japanese in daily life

おはようOh-ha-yo-u (Good morning)

ありがとうA-ri-ga-to-u (Thank you)

おつかれさまO-tsu-ka-re-sa-ma (Good work/Good job)

In conversations between family and friends, it's common to shorten words and use them in a more casual way.

またねMa-ta-ne (See you)

じゃあねJaa-ne (See you)

バイバイBai-bai (Bye bye)

Even though they have almost the same meaning, there are various expressions and ways to say it.

今週末何してるKon-shuu-matsu na-ni shi-te-ru (What are you doing this weekend?)

This is asking about weekend plans, but when used between friends, it may carry an intention to invite if they are available.

ちょっとChotto (A little)

大丈夫Daijoubu (It's okay/I'm fine)

Sometimes used with a nuance different from the direct meaning of the words.

ちょっとChotto means "a little," but it is also used as a way to decline.

大丈夫Daijoubu can also be used to decline.

いただきますItadakimasu (Let's eat)

ごちそうさまGochisousama (Thank you for the meal)

These are greetings used before and after meals to express gratitude for the food and the person who prepared it.
They are expressions related to Japan's unique culture and environment, which cannot be directly translated into other languages.

Business Japanese

Business Japanese refers to the Japanese used specifically in workplaces and business settings. A key feature is that there are many situations where respectful and polite language is required.

Respectful language refers to words that are used depending on the situation and the relationship with the person.
There are three main types of respectful language.

Respectful Language A way of speaking that shows respect to others.
[ Examples ]
おっしゃるO-ssharu
(to say, honorific)
いらっしゃるI-rasaru
(to go/come, honorific)
etc.

Humble Language A way of speaking that humbles oneself or people on one's side.
[ Examples ]

伺うU-ka-ga-u
(to ask, to visit, humble)

申し上げるMou-shi-a-ge-ru
(to say, humble)

etc.

Polite Language Basic polite way of speaking.
[ Examples ]

ですDesu
(polite sentence ending)

ますMasu
(polite verb ending)

etc.

Basic Phrases

Greetings

おはようございますO-ha-yo-u go-za-i-masu(Good morning) at the start of the workday.

お先に失礼しますO-sa-ki ni shitsu-rei shi-masu and お疲れさまでしたO-tsu-ka-re sa-ma deshita(commonly used in a workplace setting when leaving before others) at the end of the workday.

Phone Etiquette

[Company]社の[Name]でございます[Company] sha no [Name] de go-za-i-masu (This is [Name] from [Company].)

いつもお世話になっておりますItsu-mo o-se-wa ni nat-te o-ri-masu (Thank you for your support as always)

Meeting

本日の議題は ~ ですHon-jitsu no gi-dai wa ~ desu (Today's agenda is ~.)

ご意見をお聞かせくださいGo-i-ken o o-ki-ka-se ku-da-sai (Please share your thoughts/opinions.)

How to Write Emails

Subject Line

Keep the subject line concise and specific.

Ensure the content of the email is clear at a glance.
For example, if the purpose is "scheduling a meeting," write something specific like "Request for Meeting Schedule Adjustment."

Examples

「[Conference Name]会議の日程調整のお願い」
(Request for scheduling the [Conference Name] meeting.)
「ご注文の件について」
(Regarding your order.)
「 [Month]月 [Day]日納品の件」
(Regarding the delivery on [Month] [Day].)

Greetings

Enhance trust through proper greetings.

Including a greeting at the beginning of your email demonstrates courtesy to the recipient.
Avoid overly casual expressions in business emails.
After the greeting, clearly state your affiliation and name to ensure the recipient can immediately recognize who the message is from.

Examples

「お世話になっております。 [Company]の [Department Name] [Name]でございます。」
(I am grateful to you. This is [Name] from [Department Name], [Company].)
「突然のご連絡失礼いたします。 [Company]の [Department Name] [Name]です。」
(I apologize for the sudden contact. This is [Name] from [Company].)

Main Text

State your purpose clearly.

In the main text, concisely convey what you want to communicate or request.
Ensure that your message is easy for the recipient to understand.
Additionally, polite language is essential in business emails.
Expressions such as "お願い申し上げます(I sincerely request)" or "ご確認ください(Please confirm)" are recommended.

Examples

「 [Month]月 [Day]日までにご確認いただけますと幸いです。」
(I would appreciate it if you could confirm by [Month] [Day].)
「[Subject]の件について、何卒ご対応いただけますようお願い申し上げます。」
(I kindly request your cooperation is requested to the matter of [Subject].)

Closing Words

Leave a good impression with gratitude and consideration.

Use closing words that express gratitude and consideration at the end of an email.
These words help conclude your message elegantly and leave a positive impression on the recipient.

Examples

「何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます。」
(I sincerely appreciate your kind cooperation.)
「ご確認のほど、よろしくお願いいたします。」
(I kindly ask for your confirmation.)
「失礼いたします。今後ともよろしくお願い申し上げます。」
(Thank you, and I look forward to your continued support.)

Signature

Including your name, company name, and contact information at the end of an email makes it easier for the recipient to reach you.

Examples ○○株式会社 (○○ Corporation)
営業部 ○○ ○○ [Name] (Sales Department Name ○○ ○○ [Name])
電話番号: 090-XXXX-XXXX (Phone Number: 090-XXXX-XXXX)
メール: example@denshi-mext.jp (Email: example@denshi-mext.jp)