Business Japanese Katakata: Top 10 most common phrases

There are many Business Japanese Katakana words that are difficult to guess their meanings just by pronouncing them.

Which is strange because there are so many examples of Katakana words being easy to understand.
For example, “ハンドル” comes from the English word ” handle” and “ミルク” comes from the English word ” milk”

However, some Katakana words are usually expressed in short forms which make them difficult to understand just by looking at them.

Moreover, some words mean differently from how it sounds like.

Just started learning Japanese? Head to our main article about the Japanese writing system for a more comprehensive guide!

Let’s look at 10 Interesting Business Katakana Words! – Can you guess their meaning?

１. ダブルブッキング

ダブルブッキング means “schedule conflict”.
E.g: 予定がダブルブッキングします。
Yotei ga daburubukkingyu shimasu
There is a schedule conflict.

2. プレゼン  (プレゼンテーション)

プレゼン is the short form of the word “プレゼンテーション”.  It originates from the English word”presentation”
E.g: 明日プレゼンをします。
Ashita purezen o shimasu
I will make a presentation tomorrow.

3. ブレスト (ブレーンストーミング)

ブレスト is the short form of the word “ブレーンストーミング”.  It originates from the English word”brainstorming”
E.g: ブレストしてみましょう。
Buresuto shitemimashou
Let’s brainstorm

4. サラリーマン

The word サラリーマン refers to office worker, it is originated from the English words “salary” and “man”
E.g:　私はサラリーマンです。
Watashiwa sarari-man desu.
I am an office worker.

5. クレーム

The word クレーム refers to complaint. It is originated from the English word “claim” Be careful to avoid using クレーム for claiming something.
E.g: クレームを受けた
Kure-mu o uketa
I got a complaint.

6. コピペ  (コピーアンドペースト)

コピペ is the shortform of コピーアンドペースト. It means to copy and paste.
E.g: テキストをコピペしてください
Tekisuto o kopipeshite kudasai
Please copy and paste the text

7. コスパ  (コストパフォーマンス)

コスパ is the short form of the word コストパフォーマンス, it refers to cost performance
E.g: コスパがとてもいいです
Kosupa ga totemo iidesu
The cost performance is very good.

8. ソフト  (ソフトウェア)

ソフト is the shortform of  the word ” ソフトウェア, it refers to software. ソフトalso means softcream(ソフトクリーム)
E.g: ソフトをインストールしてください。
Sofuto  o instu-ru shitekudasai
please install the software.

9. アポ  (アポイントメント)

The word アポ is the short form of the word アポイントメント, it refers to appointments.
E.g: アポをとりました。
Apo o torimashita
I made an appointment.

10. アンケート

アンケート refers to questionnaires, it is originated from the France word “enquête”.
E.g: アンケートに答えてください。
Anke-to ni kotaete kudasai
Please answer the questionnaire.

Vocabulary

1.バッティング          Battingu           Schedule Conflict
2.プレゼン           Purezen           Presentation
3.ブレスト           Buresuto           Brainstorming
4.サラリーマン          Sarari-man           Office Worker
5.クレーム          Kure-mu           Complaint
6.コピペ            Kopipe           Copy And Paste
7. コスパ           Kosupa          Cost Performance
8.ソフト           Sofuto          Software
9.アポ           Apo           appointment
10.アンケート          Anke-to           Questionnaire

You can read and download the Powerpoint slide of these infographics here.

Now that you are familiar with these interesting business Katakana words, try to use these words when talking to your friends and colleagues to impress them!

If you wish to further improve your Business Japanese, check out our Business Japanese Courses

Expand your Japanese Knowledge by reading other interesting blogs written by Coto Language Academy bellow –

Guide to Your Japanese Series

Guide to you Japanese Washing Machines
Guide to Your Japanese Rice Cookers
Guide to Your Japanese Toilets
Guide to Your Japanese Bathtubs
Guide to Your Japanese Food Labels