Business Manners

Greeting Basics Business Conversation How to use Honorific Language Name Card Exchange Order of Company Positions Visitor Handling Telephone Handlings Entertaining Question
[In the office]　
When you come to the office in the morning. "Ohayou gozaimasu."
「おはようございます。」
"Good morning."
   
When you leave the office "○○ni itte mairimasu."（"itte kimasu."）
「○○に行ってまいります。」（「行ってきます。」）
"I'm leaving for ○○ now."
   
When your colleagues leave the office "Itte rasshai."
「いってらっしゃい。」
"OK. See you later."
   
When you return to the office "Tadaima modori mashita."
「ただいま戻りました。」
"I'm back now."
   
When your colleagues return to the office "Okaeri nasai. Otsukare samadesu."
「お帰りなさい。お疲れさまです。」
"Welcome back. Thanks for your hard work."
   
When you leave from work earlier than their colleagues "Otsukare samadeshita. Osakini shitsurei shimasu."
「お疲れさまでした。お先に失礼します。」
"May I be excused now? I’ll see you tomorrow."
   
When your colleagues leave "Otsukare samadeshita."
「お疲れさまでした。」
"Thank you for your efforts."
   
[Outside company]
When you visit a company

"Shitsurei itashimasu. ××no ○○to moushimasu."
「失礼いたします。××の○○と申します。」
"Excuse me but, I'm ○○ from ××.

"○○samato △jino oyakusokuwo itadaite orimasu."
「○○様と△時にお約束をいただいております。」
"I have a △ o'clock appointment with ○○.
   
When you make someone wait "Omataseshite moushiwake gozaimasen."
「お待たせして申し訳ございません。」
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
   
When you give the customer something to eat as a gift "Minasande omeshiagari kudasai."
「みなさんでお召し上がりください。」
"Here's something for all of you. Please enjoy it."
   
[In general]
When you ask someone to do something for you "Otesuu desuga"/ "Yoroshiku onegai shimasu."
「お手数ですが・・・」/「よろしくお願いします。」
"I'm sorry to trouble you, but ..."/ "Thank you."
   
When you accept someone’s offer "Kashikomari mashita."
「かしこまりました。」
"Certainly."
   
When you have made a mistake "Taihen moushiwake gozaimasen. Igo kiwotsukemasu."
「大変申し訳ございません。以後気をつけます。」
"I'm very sorry. I'll be careful hereafter."
   
When you express your hearty thanks "Arigatou gozaimasu. Kansha itashimasu."
「ありがとうございます。感謝いたします。」
"Thank you. I (we) appreciate it."
   
When you are thanked by someone "Dou itashimashite."
「どういたしまして。」
"You are welcome."/ "It’s my (our) pleasure."
   
When you ask someone a question "Shitsumon shitemo yoroshii desuka? "
「質問してもよろしいですか？」
"May I ask you a question?"
   
When you allow someone to ask a question "Douzo."
「どうぞ。」
"Yes, go ahead."
★Bowing rules

Bowing is indispensable when performing greetings in Japan. Even among Japanese people, few understand the bow well. It is divided into three types, from 15 to 45 degrees. It is not enough to simply bow the head; it is important that a bow be used according to the relationship one has with the person to which they are bowing. Also, it is rude to bow while doing other things such as walking, so be sure to properly face the person when bowing. A bow shows your sincerity, so a single proper bow is best.

Most respectful (45 degrees)
A profound bow is made when you meet executives of your company, or when you express thanks or apologize.

Respectful (30 degrees)
A deep bow is made when you meet your boss or visitors, or when you exchange business cards.

Simple bow (15 degrees)
A small bow is made when you pass someone, or when you enter or leave the room.