Business Conversations in Japanese

Language spoken in East Asia.

Conducting business in a different language can be a daunting task. This unit aims to equip you with the necessary skills to handle business conversations in Japanese effectively.

Introducing Oneself in a Business Setting

In Japanese business culture, introductions are crucial. When introducing yourself, it's important to use keigo (polite language). Here's a simple template:

• "Hajimemashite, [Your Name] to moushimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu."
• Translation: "Nice to meet you, I'm [Your Name]. I'm looking forward to working with you."

Conducting Business Meetings

Japanese business meetings follow a certain structure and etiquette. Here are some phrases that might come in handy:

• "Kaigi wo hajimemasu." (Let's start the meeting.)
• "Mochiron, desu." (Of course.)
• "Sore ni tsuite kangaete mimashou." (Let's think about that.)

Remember, it's important to listen attentively and respond appropriately to show respect.

Using Keigo in Business Conversations

Keigo, or honorific language, is often used in business settings to show respect. There are three levels of keigo: sonkeigo (respectful language), kenjougo (humble language), and teineigo (polite language).

For example, the verb "to do" in Japanese is "suru". In sonkeigo, it becomes "nasaru"; in kenjougo, it becomes "itasu"; and in teineigo, it becomes "shimasu".

Role-Play Exercises

Role-play exercises are a great way to practice your business conversation skills. Here are a few scenarios you can try:

1. Negotiation: You are trying to negotiate a deal with a Japanese company. Practice using polite language and business vocabulary to express your points.

2. Problem-Solving: There's a problem with a project you're working on. Practice discussing the problem and proposing solutions in Japanese.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with conducting business conversations in Japanese.