{"id":63017,"date":"2016-02-29T15:59:18","date_gmt":"2016-02-29T06:59:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cotoacademy.com\/japanese-etiquette\/"},"modified":"2026-03-30T17:34:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T08:34:16","slug":"japanese-etiquette","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cotoacademy.com\/ja\/japanese-etiquette\/","title":{"rendered":"Japanese Etiquette: “After You”, \u3069\u3046\u305e\u3001\u304a\u5148\u306b (Douzo Osaki ni)"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u00a0<\/div>\n

Japanese Etiquette & Manners<\/a>
Please go ahead…<\/a>
Going the extra mile to be even more Polite<\/a><\/p>\n

Japanese Etiquette & Manners<\/h3>\n

Travelling abroad forces us to reconsider our manners and to think about the other culture’s rules. For many expatriates in Japan adapting to the local culture is not always an easy change! Behaviors, rules, manners can be diametrically opposed to their owns. Nonetheless, Japanese etiquette<\/strong> is an important door to understanding Japanese people’s mind and heart. It is always wise to learn about it.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

At first glance, Japanese etiquette<\/strong> may be difficult to fully understand. Indeed, it is a well-known fact that Japanese are very polite and care greatly for details in their manners: “where to sit in a meeting room”, “which seat should you take in a\u00a0taxi with a client” or “where should you stand in an elevator” are all delicate situation in which you should know your “place”.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Please go ahead…<\/h3>\n

Whether you are\u00a0working in Japan or you are coming\u00a0for a short business trip in Tokyo, having some rough knowledge of <\/span>Japanese etiquette<\/strong> and<\/span>\u00a0some words<\/strong> is a great help. A simple sentence said at the right time could impress your client and have a positive impact on your relationship with Japanese.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s learn in context: here you are, at the building office, in\u00a0the elevator with your client\u00a0and… How would you say “after you<\/strong>” in Japanese<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

Well, two simple words:\u00a0Douzo, o saki ni<\/strong> \u3069\u3046\u305e, \u304a\u3055\u304d\u306b. Let’s see an example\u00a0to understand how to use<\/strong> this new expression in context:<\/p>\n

(\u30a8\u30ec\u30d9\u30fc\u30bf\u3067)<\/p>\n

A: \u3069\u3046\u305e\u3001\u304a\u5148\u306b\u3002<\/strong>
<\/span>B: \u3059\u307f\u307e\u305b\u3093\u3002<\/p>\n

(In an elevator)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

A: Douzo, o saki ni. (After you)
B: Sumimasen. (Thank you)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Image credit: mrhayata
source: Flickr<\/a><\/em><\/h6>\n
\n
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner.\u00a0Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo, find out more about our school by filling out the form below.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Going the extra mile to be even more Polite<\/h3>\n

Actually, it would be even better to say douzo o saki ni while pressing the button to open the door.\u00a0This expression is an indication of Japanese’s people respect for each other. However, you have to be careful! Saying only “o saki ni” means in Japanese… That you will be getting off first! Which is exactly the opposite of what “douzo o saki” conveys.\u00a0You can translate “douzo o saki ni” by “after you”, but also “please go first”, “go ahead”.<\/p>\n

When Japanese people use the elevator, they have surprising manners<\/strong> for foreigners. You might have witnessed that when they arrive at their desired floor, they do not get off immediately but hold the door and wait for others to get off. If anyone remains in the elevator, many Japanese people will slightly bow as they get out, as a sign of courtesy. Remember well this piece of advice about Japanese etiquette<\/strong> and you will\u00a0agreeably surprise Japanese people around you!<\/p>\n

Keep learning about Japanese etiquette:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

– Learn how to say thank you:\u00a0about the ins and outs of arigatou<\/a>
– Learn the\u00a0proper way to apologize!<\/a><\/p>\n