Business Manners

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In the business scene, not only is polite language used, but so are many oft-used set phrases. By using these appropriately and with proper timing, communication within and outside the company becomes smoother. Also, by changing an expression of the same meaning just a little, the impression a listener gets differs greatly. That is why these are valuable phrases to learn and apply.

[General phrases]
When you see a customer "Itsumo osewani natte orimasu."
「いつもお世話になっております。」
"Thank you for your kindness."
   
When you apologize "Taihen moushiwake gozaimasen."
「大変申し訳ございません。」
"I'm very sorry."
   
When you ask someone to do something for you (1) "Otesuu desuga"
「お手数ですが」
"I'm sorry to trouble you, but …"
   
When you ask someone to do something for you (2) "Osore irimasuga"
「恐れ入りますが」
"Excuse me, but"/ "I'm sorry, but"
   
When you ask someone to take time "Otesuki deshitara"
「お手すきでしたら」
"Are you available right now?"
   
When you are instructed what to do "Kashikomari mashita."
「かしこまりました。」
"All right."/ "Certainly."
   
When you are about to keep someone waiting "Shoushou omachi itadakemasuka?"
「少々お待ちいただけますか。」
"Just a moment, please."
   
When you have kept someone waiting "Taihen omatase itashimashita."
「大変お待たせいたしました。」
"I'm very sorry to have kept you waiting."
   
When you have little understanding "Wakari kanemasu."
「分かりかねます。」
"I don't understand."/ "I don't know."
   
When you give someone argument "Gomottomo desuga, shikashi"
「ごもっともですが、しかし」
"I respect your opinion, but"
   
When you ask for a day off "Oyasumiwo choudai shitemo yoroshii desuka?"
「お休みを頂戴してもよろしいですか。」
"I wonder if I could take a day off."