# Japanese Business Vocabulary: Essential Business Japanese Terms Guide
> Essential Japanese business vocabulary for meetings, emails, and professional settings. Master greetings and office terms to succeed in Japanese companies.
**URL:** https://migaku.com/blog/japanese/japanese-business-vocabulary
**Last Updated:** 2026-01-07
**Tags:** fundamentals, vocabulary, phrases, grammar
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Are you considering working in a Japanese company? Maybe you've been [studying Japanese](https://migaku.com/learn-japanese) for a while and feel comfortable ordering food or chatting with friends, but the thought of navigating a Japanese office makes your palms sweat. The workplace in Japan comes with its own linguistic universe. Business vocabulary in Japanese includes specialized terms for everything from greeting your superior to discussing contracts, plus an entire system of [honorific](https://migaku.com/blog/japanese/japanese-keigo-honorific-language-guide) language that can make or break your professional reputation.

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## Why essential business Japanese matters for your career
Did you know that having some business Japanese phrases up your sleeve can work career magic? The Japanese business world values linguistic precision and proper etiquette more than most other cultures. Using the wrong level of politeness can accidentally insult a client or make you seem unprofessional to colleagues.

Japanese companies expect employees to master keigo (<typo lang="ja" syntax="敬語[けいご;h]"></typo>), the honorific language system that shows respect through specific verb forms and vocabulary. This goes way beyond adding "desu" (です) and "masu" (ます) to your sentences. We're talking about three distinct levels of politeness that change depending on who you're talking to and what you're talking about.

The good news? Once you learn the core business vocabulary and understand how keigo works, you'll sound professional and earn respect in Japanese workplaces. The patterns repeat themselves across different situations, so your effort pays off quickly.

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## Understanding keigo: The foundation of Japanese business culture
Before diving into specific vocabulary, you need to understand keigo. This honorific system has three main types:

1. Sonkeigo (<typo lang="ja" syntax="尊敬語[そんけいご;h]"></typo>) elevates the actions of others, particularly your superior or clients. You use this when talking about what your boss, customers, or anyone above you in the hierarchy does. For example, instead of saying "iku" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="行[い;h]く"></typo>) for "to go," you'd say "irassharu" (いらっしゃる).
2. Kenjougo (<typo lang="ja" syntax="謙譲語[けんじょうご;h]"></typo>) humbles your own actions or those of your in-group when speaking to outsiders or superiors. This shows respect by lowering yourself. Instead of "iku" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="行[い;h]く"></typo>), you'd say "mairu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="参[まい;k1]る"></typo>) when talking about your own movement.
3. Teineigo (<typo lang="ja" syntax="丁寧語[ていねいご;h]"></typo>) is the polite form you probably already know. This adds "desu" (です) and "masu" (ます) to make sentences polite without specifically elevating or humbling anyone.

Mixing these up causes problems. Imagine accidentally using humble language to describe your CEO's actions. You'd basically be insulting them by lowering their status. Yeah, keigo matters.

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## Learn Japanese business greetings and daily phrases
Every morning in a Japanese office starts with specific greetings. When you arrive, you say "Ohayou gozaimasu" (おはようございます) to everyone, regardless of the time. This literally means "good morning," but Japanese offices use it as the standard greeting when you first see colleagues for the day.

When leaving before others, you say "Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="お先[おさき]に 失礼[しつれい;n2] し[,する;h]ます"></typo>), which roughly translates to "Excuse me for leaving before you." The people staying respond with "Otsukaresama deshita" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="お疲れ様[おつかれさま] でし[,でし;a]た"></typo>), acknowledging your hard work.

Here's a phrase you'll use constantly: "Otsukaresama desu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="お疲れ様[おつかれさま] です[;a]"></typo>). This versatile greeting acknowledges someone's effort and can be used throughout the day when passing colleagues, starting meetings, or ending phone calls. It creates a sense of shared effort and mutual respect.

When asking someone to do something, you'll use "Onegai shimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="お願[おねが;h]い し[,する;h]ます"></typo>), which means "please" or "I request this." For thanking someone, "Arigatou gozaimasu" (ありがとうございます) works for most situations, but in very formal contexts, you might say "Kansha moushiagemasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="感謝[かんしゃ;a] 申し上[もうしあ,もうしあげる;k5,h]げます"></typo>).

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## Company and organizational vocabulary
You need specific terms to talk about companies and organizational structures. 

A company is "kaisha" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="会社[かいしゃ;h]"></typo>), but you'll also hear "kigyou" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="企業[きぎょう;a]"></typo>) in more formal contexts. An LLC is called "goudou gaisha" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="合同会社[ごうどうがいしゃ;n5]"></typo>) in Japan, abbreviated as GK, though the more common limited company structure is "kabushiki gaisha" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="株式会社[かぶしきがいしゃ;n5]"></typo>), abbreviated as KK.

Your workplace is "shokuba" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="職場[しょくば;h,o]"></typo>), and your office is "jimusho" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="事務所[じむしょ;n2]"></typo>) or "ofisu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="オフィス[;a]"></typo>). 

The company president is "shachou" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="社長[しゃちょう;h]"></typo>), department heads are "buchou" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="部長[ぶちょう;h]"></typo>), and section chiefs are "kachou" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="課長[かちょう;h]"></typo>). Your direct superior might be "jouchou" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="上長[じょうちょう;h]"></typo>), and colleagues are "douryou" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="同僚[どうりょう;h]"></typo>).

When talking about your own company to outsiders, you use "heisha" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="弊社[へいしゃ;a]"></typo>), a humble term meaning "our humble company." When referring to another company respectfully, you say "kisha" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="貴社[きしゃ;a,o]"></typo>) in writing or "onsha" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="御社[おんしゃ]"></typo>) in speech. These distinctions show proper business etiquette and respect for hierarchy.

Employees are "shain" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="社員[しゃいん;a]"></typo>), and new employees are "shinjin" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="新人[しんじん;h]"></typo>). Part-time workers are "arubaito" (アルバイト), often shortened to "baito." Full-time employees are "seishain" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="正社員[せいしゃいん;n3]"></typo>), which carries more prestige and job security in Japanese business culture.

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## Meeting and presentation vocabulary
Meetings are "kaigi" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="会議[かいぎ;a,o]"></typo>), and you'll attend many of them. A conference is "kaigi" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="会議[かいぎ;a,o]"></typo>) or "kyougikai" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="協議会[きょうぎかい;n3]"></typo>) for larger, more formal gatherings. When you want to schedule a meeting, you might say "Kaigi wo settei shitai no desu ga" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="会議[かいぎ;a,o] を 設定[せってい;h] し[,する;h]たい の です[;a] が"></typo>), meaning "I'd like to set up a meeting."

The meeting room is "kaigishitsu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="会議[かいぎ;a,o] 室[しつ;o]"></typo>). The agenda is "gidai" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="議題[ぎだい;h]"></typo>) or "ajenda" (アジェンダ). Minutes from the meeting are "gijiroku" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="議事録[ぎじろく;n2]"></typo>), and someone usually gets assigned to take them.

During presentations, you'll use "happyou" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="発表[はっぴょう;h]"></typo>) for the presentation itself, or "purezentēshon" (プレゼンテーション) using the English loanword. To present is "happyou suru" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="発表[はっぴょう;h] する[;h]"></typo>). When showing slides, you might say "Tsugi no suraido wo goran kudasai" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="次[つぎ;o] の スライド[;h] を ご覧[ごらん;h] ください[,くださる;k3]"></typo>), meaning "Please look at the next slide."

Common meeting phrases include "Kaigi wo hajimemasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="会議[かいぎ;a,o] を 始[はじ,はじめる;h]めます"></typo>) to start a meeting, and "Kaigi wo owarimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="会議[かいぎ;a,o] を 終[お,おわる;h]わります"></typo>) to end it. When asking for opinions, you'd say "Iken wa arimasu ka" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="意見[いけん;a] は あり[,ある;k1]ます か"></typo>), and when agreeing, "Sansei desu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="賛成[さんせい;h] です[;a]"></typo>) works well.

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## Business emails and written communication terms
Email is "mēru" (メール) or more formally "denshi mēru" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="電子[でんし;n4]メール"></typo>). The subject line is "ken" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="件[けん;a]"></typo>) or "kenmei" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="件名[けんめい;h]"></typo>). When writing business emails, you start with the recipient's name followed by "sama" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="様[よう;a]"></typo>), the most respectful honorific.

A typical email opening is "Osewa ni natte orimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="お世話[おせわ;n2] に なっ[,なる;h]て おり[,おる;k1]ます"></typo>), which acknowledges the ongoing relationship. This phrase appears in basically every business email and roughly means "Thank you for your continued support."

When attaching files, you write "Tenpu shimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="添付[てんぷ;a,h] し[,する;h]ます"></typo>) or "Tenpu fairu wo goran kudasai" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="添付[てんぷ;a,h] ファイル[;a] を ご覧[ごらん;h] ください[,くださる;k3]"></typo>), meaning "Please see the attached file." To request something, "Onegai itashimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="お願[おねが;h]い 致[いた,いたす;k2,h]します"></typo>) is more formal than the spoken "onegai shimasu."

Closing an email typically involves "Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="よろしく[;h] お願[おねが;h]い 致[いた,いたす;k2,h]します"></typo>), a versatile phrase requesting favorable consideration. You might also write "Osaki ni shitsurei itashimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="お先[おさき]に 失礼[しつれい;n2] 致[いた,いたす;k2,h]します"></typo>) before holidays or when leaving early.

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## Phone call vocabulary and etiquette
Answering the phone at work requires specific phrases. You typically answer with your company name and your own name: "ABC Kigyou no Tanaka de gozaimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="{ABC}企業[きぎょう;a] の 田中[たなか;h] で ござい[,ござい;n2]ます"></typo>), meaning "This is Tanaka from ABC Company."

When calling someone, you introduce yourself first: "ABC Kigyou no Tanaka to moushimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="{ABC}企業[きぎょう;a] の 田中[たなか;h] と 申[もう,もうす;k1]します"></typo>), using the humble form "moushimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="申[もう,もうす;k1]します"></typo>) instead of "desu" (です).

To ask if someone is available, you say "Suzuki-san wa irasshaimasu ka" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="鈴木[すずき;h] さん[;a] は いらっしゃい[,いらっしゃる;k4]ます か"></typo>), using the respectful form for "to be." If you're transferring a call, you might say "Shouhou omachi kudasai" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="少々[しょうしょう;a] お待[おま]ち ください[,くださる;k3]"></typo>), meaning "Please wait a moment."

When the person you're calling for is out, you might hear "Tadaima seki wo hazushite orimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="ただいま[;n2] 席[せき;a] を 外[はず,はずす;h]して おり[,おる;k1]ます"></typo>), meaning "They're away from their desk right now." To leave a message, you'd say "Dengon wo onegai dekimasu ka" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="伝言[でんごん;h] を お願[おねが;h]い でき[,できる;k2]ます か"></typo>).

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## Useful phrases for client and customer interactions
Clients are "kokyaku" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="顧客[こきゃく;h]"></typo>) or "torihikisaki" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="取引先[とりひきさき;h]"></typo>). When meeting clients, you bow and exchange business cards in a specific ritual called "meishi koukan" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="名刺[めいし;h] 交換[こうかん;h]"></typo>). Business cards are "meishi" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="名刺[めいし;h]"></typo>), and you present them with both hands while saying "Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="よろしく[;h] お願[おねが;h]い 致[いた,いたす;k2,h]します"></typo>).

When receiving a business card, you also use both hands, study it carefully, and thank them: "Choudai itashimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="頂戴[ちょうだい;n3] 致[いた,いたす;k2,h]します"></typo>), a humble way of saying "I receive this." Never write on someone's business card in front of them or put it away immediately. That's terrible business etiquette.

Common client interaction phrases include "Gokigen ikaga desu ka" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="ご 機嫌[きげん;h] いかが[;n2] です[;a] か"></typo>) as a polite greeting asking how they are, though this sounds quite formal. More commonly, you might use "Osewa ni natte orimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="お世話[おせわ;n2] に なっ[,なる;h]て おり[,おる;k1]ます"></typo>) when meeting regular clients.

To apologize for keeping someone waiting, say "Omatase itashimashita" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="お 待[ま,まつ;k1]たせ 致[いた,いたす;k2,h]しました"></typo>). When thanking a client for their business, "Itsumo arigatou gozaimasu" (いつもありがとうございます) expresses ongoing gratitude.

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## Japanese phrases of contract and agreement 
Contracts are "keiyaku" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="契約[けいやく;h]"></typo>), and to sign a contract is "keiyaku wo musubu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="契約[けいやく;h] を 結[むす;h]ぶ"></typo>). An agreement is "goui" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="合意[ごうい;a,h]"></typo>) or "doui" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="同意[どうい;h]"></typo>). Terms and conditions are "kiyaku" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="規約[きやく;h]"></typo>) or "jouken" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="条件[じょうけん;n3,h]"></typo>).

A proposal is "teian" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="提案[ていあん;h]"></typo>), and to propose something is "teian suru" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="提案[ていあん;h] する[;h]"></typo>). When negotiating, you're doing "koushou" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="交渉[こうしょう;h]"></typo>). The negotiation process might involve discussing the "kakaku" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="価格[かかく;h,a]"></typo>) or price, "shiharaihouhou" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="支払[しはら;h]い 方法[ほうほう;h]"></typo>) or payment method, and "nōki" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="納期[のうき;a]"></typo>) or delivery date.

To approve something, you use "shounin suru" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="承認[しょうにん;h] する[;h]"></typo>), while to reject is "kyohi suru" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="拒否[きょひ;a] する[;h]"></typo>). A deadline is "shimekiri" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="締め切[しめき;h]り"></typo>), and you definitely want to meet those in Japanese business culture.

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## Job interview vocabulary of Japanese companies
Are you trying to [learn Japanese](https://migaku.com/blog/japanese/how-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary) but having trouble speaking in interview situations? Interviews are "mensetsu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="面接[めんせつ;h]"></typo>), and the interviewer is "mensetsukansha" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="面接[めんせつ;h] 官[かん;a]"></typo>). Your resume is "rirekisho" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="履歴書[りれきしょ;h,o]"></typo>), a standardized form in Japan, while your CV with more detail is "shokumu keirekisho" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="職務[しょくむ;a,n2] 経歴[けいれき;h] 書[しょ;h,o]"></typo>).

When introducing yourself, you'd say "Watakushi wa (name) to moushimasu" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="私[わたし;h] は{(name)}と 申[もう,もうす;k1]します"></typo>), using the humble "watakushi" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="私[わたし;h]"></typo>) for "I" instead of casual forms. To describe your strengths, you might say "Watakushi no tsuyomi wa..." (<typo lang="ja" syntax="私[わたし;h] の 強[つよ;o]み は"></typo>...), meaning "My strength is..."

Common interview questions include "Shigoto no keiken ni tsuite oshiete kudasai" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="仕事[しごと;h] の 経験[けいけん;h] について 教[おし,おしえる;h]えて ください[,くださる;k3]"></typo>), asking about your work experience, and "Naze kono kaisha wo erabimashita ka" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="なぜ[;a] この 会社[かいしゃ;h] を 選[えら,えらぶ;k2]びました か"></typo>), asking why you chose this company.

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## Japanese business etiquette, techniques, and culture
What is the Japanese technique in business? 

Japanese business culture emphasizes several unique approaches. "Kaizen" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="改善[かいぜん;h]"></typo>) means continuous improvement, where companies constantly refine processes. "Hou-ren-sou" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="報[ほう;h] 連[れん;a] 相[しょう]"></typo>) is a communication principle combining "houkoku" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="報告[ほうこく;h]"></typo>) for reporting, "renraku" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="連絡[れんらく;h]"></typo>) for informing, and "soudan" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="相談[そうだん;h]"></typo>) for consulting. This technique ensures everyone stays informed and aligned.

Japanese companies also practice "nemawashi" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="根回[ねまわ;n2]し"></typo>), informal consensus-building before official meetings. Decisions get discussed privately with stakeholders beforehand, so the actual meeting confirms what's already been agreed upon. This avoids public disagreement and maintains harmony, a core value in Japanese culture.

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## Making business Japanese work for you
Learning business Japanese takes time, but you can start using these terms immediately in professional contexts. The key is understanding the cultural context behind the language. Japanese business vocabulary reflects values like respect for hierarchy, group harmony, and attention to detail.

1. Start with the most common phrases you'll use daily: greetings, email openings, and basic meeting vocabulary.
2. Practice the three levels of keigo with simple verbs until they become natural.
3. Listen to how native speakers use these terms in context, whether through Japanese business dramas, news programs, or actual workplace interactions.

Anyway, if you want to actually practice these terms with real Japanese content, Migaku's browser extension and app let you look up business vocabulary instantly while reading Japanese news articles or watching business-focused shows. You can save terms directly to your flashcard decks and review them with spaced repetition. There's a 10-day free trial if you want to check it out.

<img src="https://migaku-cms-assets.migaku.com/3_screens_purple_2_9bb1da2f6a/3_screens_purple_2_9bb1da2f6a.png" width="1620" height="1000" alt="Language learning with Migaku" />

<prose-button href="/learn-japanese" text="Learn Japanese with Migaku"></prose-button>

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## FAQs
<accordion heading="What is the 80/20 rule in Japanese? ">In Japanese business contexts, this refers to the Pareto Principle, called "Pareto no housoku" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="パ レート[;a] の 法則[ほうそく;h]"></typo>) or "ni-hachi no housoku" (<typo lang="ja" syntax="二[に;o] 八[はち;o] の 法則[ほうそく;h]"></typo>), literally "the two-eight rule." Japanese companies apply this principle to focus on the 20% of efforts that generate 80% of results, whether in sales, productivity, or quality control.</accordion>

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## This post only covers a tip of the iceberg of the business vocabulary...
Are you up for the captivating world of the Japanese language? Business Japanese opens doors to career opportunities and a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. The formality might seem overwhelming at first, but once you grasp the patterns, you'll navigate professional situations with confidence. However, before reaching that stage, you need to consume media extensively, especially in the specific field you're interested in!

> If you consume media in Japanese, and you understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress. _Period_.

The business scenario is tense, but trust yourself!