Office Japanese Survival

会社で使う日本語

Essential phrases for working in a Japanese office. Formal keigo required!

Phrases (7)

おはようございます

ohayou gozaimasu

Good morning

formal Kansai: おはようさん (ohayou-san) - casual Kansai version

Said to everyone when you arrive at work, regardless of actual time. Even at 3pm if it's your first encounter.

お疲れ様ですおつかれさまです

otsukaresama desu

Thank you for your hard work

Literally: "You must be tired (from working)"

polite Kansai: おつかれさん (otsukare-san)

THE essential work phrase. Say it when: passing colleagues, ending meetings, leaving office, answering internal calls.

お先に失礼しますおさきにしつれいします

osaki ni shitsurei shimasu

Excuse me for leaving before you

formal

Said when leaving work before others (which is always awkward in Japan). Colleagues respond with "お疲れ様でした".

はい、〇〇会社の〇〇でございますはい、〇〇かいしゃの〇〇でございます

hai, [company] no [name] de gozaimasu

Yes, this is [name] from [company]

formal

Standard phone answering. Use でございます (de gozaimasu) for extra formality, not です.

承知いたしましたしょうちいたしました

shouchi itashimashita

Understood / I'll do that

formal Standard: わかりました (wakarimashita)

Very formal "understood". Use with clients and superiors. 承知しました is slightly less formal.

申し訳ございませんもうしわけございません

moushiwake gozaimasen

I sincerely apologize

formal Standard: すみません (sumimasen)

Heavy-duty apology for work mistakes. Shows you take responsibility. Bow deeply when saying this.

検討させていただきますけんとうさせていただきます

kentou sasete itadakimasu

We will consider it

formal

Polite way to not commit. Often means "probably no" in Japanese business culture. Buy time without saying no directly.

Japanese offices use different language levels: 敬語 (keigo) for clients, 丁寧語 (teineigo) for colleagues, casual among close coworkers.
Email sign-offs matter: お疲れ様です to start, よろしくお願いいたします to end.
In Osaka offices, the atmosphere is often more relaxed than Tokyo, but keigo is still expected with clients and superiors.