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The word keigo (敬語) is written with the kanji that means “to respect” (敬) or “to admire” and the kanji for “language” (語). Japanese society has always cared for hierarchy to the point that honorific speech seems to be a whole other language. If you’re planning to build a fulfilling career in Japan, knowing business Japanese will help you stand out during your job search.

Whatever the reason you are studying Japanese, we believe you are having fun. You enjoyed writing your first hiragana and katakana. Gradually, you were able to express yourself and hold a steady casual conversation in Japanese. Or, at least, that was at the beginning.

As you reach the intermediate step, the fun fades away, and you are shaking your head in despair as you try to understand Japanese honorific speech.

So in this article, we’re guiding you through all the nooks and crannies of Japanese keigo, from the viewpoint of a non-native. We’ll discuss the honorific forms, humble forms, conjugations, and phrases.

Want to boost your career in Japan? Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course is designed to help you master keigo (business Japanese) and improve workplace communication skills. Gain the confidence to speak professionally with colleagues and clients, navigate meetings, and open up new career opportunities!

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Introduction to Japanese Keigo

Do you know that Japan had a caste system in the past? Until the Meiji restoration, people in different castes would not speak the same Japanese as a form of respect for social ranks. Despite the disappearance of the caste system, honorific speech is still used to mark the degree of intimacy or social standing between people.

To use keigo is to show your consideration and respect for a person older than you or someone with a higher social standing. Age isn’t the only factor. It can be based on a different position or experience in a company, like your senpai (someone who’s more senior). Your speech will differ accordingly to the person in front of you: a friend, a colleague, a chief or a client; and to whom you a referring to yourself, your friend, colleague or client.

But don’t believe keigo speech is easier for native speakers, too. Japanese kids learn keigo the hard way, as they enter junior high school and are confronted with the Japanese hierarchy. Suddenly, they have to mark the difference between 先輩 (elder students) and 後輩 (junior students).

If the thought of learning a whole new style of speaking Japanese sounds scary then you are not alone. Memorizing keigo is a challenge for even Japanese people so it’s good to know that we’re all in the same position. Very often, Japanese people will not learn keigo in school, but during intensive training sessions before they start their first job.

The Concept of Uchi and Soto

To better understand respectful speech, take a peek into the Japanese concept of uchi and soto, or “in-out” (内-外). The idea might seem simple: uchi (内) literally means “inside”, while soto (外) means “outside”. But both words aren’t just about the physical position. They’re used to describe social distance too.

The concept of uchi and soto shapes Japan’s culture. In sociology and social psychology, there is the concept of “in-group” and “out-group”, and the Japanese society takes this matter more seriously — so seriously, in fact, that it plays a significant role in its language.

Basically, an in-group is the social group that you identify as a member of. Out-group, on the other hand, is a group that doesn’t fall into the in-group.

In Japanese, 内 means home. As a concept, uchi (内) reflects in-group and refers to all the people you know inside a specific social circle: your family, your company and your club. For example, inside the 内, family members may drop the title.

In Japanese, soto (外) is the culture’s equivalent to out-group. As a concept, 外 refers to all the people who are not inside your specific social circle. For example, another company’s employee or team rival.

So why are these concepts important in Japanese keigo? Japan, like many Eastern countries that tend to be collectivists, follows the rough idea that conformity in society is more important — the opposite of more individualistic views of Western culture.

In other words, being part of a group is an important element in Japan. Japanese speech differs depending on the social context of what you define as your in-group at the moment.

In-group can go as small as your family and span to a country. Think of the concept of “us” and “them”. This dynamic concept affects social interactions and is reflected in the Japanese language. So keep in mind that you will not use honorific words when speaking about insiders (people from your social circles) to outsiders.

Japanese Keigo for Beginners

Before you actually dive into keigo, you will probably learn the polite verb forms, otherwise known as teinei (丁寧/ていねい). This consists of the stem of a verb and what is called the ~ます form. For example, the verb “to see”, 見（み）る, becomes 見（み）ます.

Keigo covers both humble form, kenjougo (謙譲語), and polite form, sonkeigo (尊敬語), with various levels of vocabulary and expressions. This written Japanese offers even more complexity.

When you start to have a good command of Japanese, you will realize that politeness in Japanese is of great importance when dealing with elders or working in a professional environment. You will learn to adjust your speech depending on whether you have a certain intimacy with someone or to emphasize the social rank disparity if you are in a higher position.

ご飯を食べます。
Gohan o tabemasu.

映画をみます。
Eiga o mimasu.

But what if you want to show even more respect to someone? After all, humility is a big part of Japanese culture, in work or social life. Take a look at the table below to see three different levels of “politeness”.

Casual	Formal	Keigo
お土産をもらった。 Omiyage o moratta	お土産をもらいました。 Omiyage o moraimashita	お土産をいただきました。 Omiyage o itadakimashita.

One of our students joked that a good rule of thumb is this: the longer the sentence become, the more polite and formal it is. We don’t know if it’s entirely true, but that’s the pattern we see.

Now, you’re most likely to use the casual Japanese form with your in-group — who you have an equal or casual relationship with. This can be your classmates who you know very well, your close friends, siblings or even parents.

Going up a notch, the formal form is typically used for someone who has more social distance from you: your teachers, coworkers or strangers.

You use the utmost polite Japanese keigo to someone you deem sits on a much higher social hierarch. This demographic falls to people like your managers, boss and, yes, customers or clients.

But remember the “in-group” and “out-group” concepts again? Japanese people, especially women, have a tendency to use keigo even to a stranger, so don’t be surprised if they talk to you in a very humble and honorific language.

Basic Rules of Keigo

Now that we’ve gotten over who we can use keigo and the concept of uchi and soto, we can deal with the real keigo rules. The Japanese language is actually divided into three groups: the polite style, the humble style and the honorific style.

When using keigo, some words can be substituted for a more respectful version. For example, the word あした (tomorrow) and ひと (person) will become あす and かた respectively. This form of speech is called Aratamatta iikata (改まった言い方): formal speech.

The second thing to know is that Japanese honorific prefixes o or go can be added to certain nouns and verbs. The easiest examples is certainly tea, cha which becomes “o-cha” and family, 家族, which becomes ご家族.

The adjunction of honorifics after names is also a part of the respectful speech. The polite さん, like Tanaka-san (田中さん) becomes Tanaka-sama (田中様).

1. Polite Japanese: Teineigo (丁寧語)

The polite style is the easiest form of keigo ruled by regular grammar with a structure similar to casual speech. Thus, it is the first form of keigo taught to Japanese language learners. So when you are using です and ます instead of the dictionary form, a considerate and formal tone of Japanese, you are already using keigo.

As a reminder, the copula です comes after nouns, adjectives, and adverbs, generally, at the end of a sentence while the suffix ます is added at the end of a verb.

English	Regular	丁寧語
I am going to buy a book.	本を買いに行く。 Hono kaini iku.	本を買いに行きます。 Hono kaini ikimasu.
The phone is broken.	携帯(けいたい)が壊(こわ)れた。 Keitaiga kowareta.	携帯が壊れました。　 Keitaiga kowaremashita.
What is this?	これは何だ。 Korewa nan da.	こちらは何ですか。 Kochirawa nandesuka.

2. Honorific Japanese: Sonkeigo (尊敬語)

This style is to show respect to someone of higher position, like a superior or a customer, when speaking to them. You should never use 尊敬語 form to refer to yourself. The usage of 尊敬語 is difficult to understand, and characterized by lengthy polite sentences. Whereby, common verbs will change for more polite ones and some will even change into a respectful form.

English	Regular	Honorofic Form
Is Mr. Tanaka here?	すみません、田中先生はいますか。 Sumimasen, tanaka-sensei wa imasuka	すみません、田中先生はいらっしゃいますか Sumimasen, tanaka-sensei wa irasshaimasuka
How was the interview?	面接はどうでしたか。 Mensetsu wa dou deshitaka	面接はいかがでしたか。 Mensetsu wa ikaga deshitaka

Humble Keigo: 謙譲語

In the table above, you will find the honorific and humble styles’ special set expressions, along with the polite and casual speech forms.

The following humble set-expressions おります, 参ります, いたします, いただきます, もうします, 存じでおります are part of a third category called 丁重語. This courteous form of keigo is not often referred to and is used when your action does not directly involve the listener, but most likely the person you are talking to is someone to whom you want to be very polite.

English	Regular	謙譲語
I am Sakura.	私はさくらです。 Watashi wa sakura desu.	私はさくらと申します。 Watashi wa sakura to moushimasu.
The phone is broken.	携帯(けいたい)が壊(こわ)れた。 Keitaiga kowareta.	携帯が壊れました。　 Keitaiga kowaremashita.
I read the book	この本を読みました。 Kono hon o yomimashita.	こちらの本を拝読しました。 Kochira no hon haitokushimashita.

When referring to yourself, you should be humble. When referring to someone in your inner circle, you should humble them too — because the concept of “in-group” stipulates that they’re part of you too.

The kenjougo (謙譲語) is used to lower your social status when speaking about yourself. It should be used when you are speaking to someone of higher social rank when describing the actions of you or someone of your circle. Like for 尊敬語, the 謙譲語 substitutes verbs with other forms. Nouns may also change: the word 人, previously mentioned, will become 者.

This is particularly important in the Japanese work environment. When you’re speaking directly to your manager, you will probably address them in honorific form — because they’re socially higher than you. Easy, right?

Now, what about when you’re talking to your company’s clients, and suddenly need to mention your managers? To refer to them directly, do you use the humble or honorific form?

The answer is humble form. This is because in that moment, your manager is part of your in-group (uchi) and the client is your soto. An important thing to know is that you “raise” people from your out-group while you lower the peope in your in-group, regardless of the individual’s status from the beginning.

Japanese Keigo Conjugation

For both honorific and humble styles, as seen previously, certain verbs have set expressions. For the verbs without such set expressions, they obey keigo conjugations. The first rule is the adjunction of the polite prefix “o” to the stem of the verb.

We often focus on verbs construction and the social relations between a speaker and a listener, but keigo covers more than set expressions and situational examples. In particular, Japanese language uses honorific prefixes. Most of you might know that the Japanese honorific prefixes お (o) or ご (go) can be added to some nouns and verbs.

When used with a noun, it is preceded by either お (o) or ご (go), but is limited to only nouns which indicate actions (suru verbs). For verb, erase the ます and add になる.

English	Honorific Form
Verb	お + Verb ます (stem form) + になる
Noun	お/ご + Noun + になる

部長はいつ海外からお戻りになりますか。

課長はお変えになりました。

You can essentially add お (o) or ご (go) to any nouns to transform it into honorific form, but be careful. Adding too many prefixes will make your sentences sound awkward — we don’t want you trying tohard, and there are other ways to talk in keigo without putting お before every object.

However, you’ll most likely encounter these words without realizing that they are nouns with honorific prefixes.

English	Honorific Japanese	Romaji
Tea	お茶	Ocha
Water	お水	Omizu
Alcohol	お酒	Osake
Meal	ご飯	Gohan
Order	ご注文	Gochuumon
Sweets	お菓子	Okashi
Time	お時間	Ojikan

For the humble style, the construction of the verb will be as follows: お/ご + stem of the verb + する. You have certainly heard it before in お+願い+します(“please”).

The honorific style can also be expressed with what is called the “easy keigo” with verbs used in the passive form れる or られる. Although said to be easier, this form of keigo can be confused with the passive voice and should be used with care.

29 Useful Japanese Keigo Phrases for Work

The first step is understanding that some kanji readings and some words are different depending on if you are casual or polite. The easiest example is the word “tomorrow”. You’ll learn 明日 is read あした but, as you progress in your Japanese studies, you’ll quickly encounter the reading あす.

English	Casual Japanese	Keigo words for work
Tomorrow	明日（あした）	明日（あす）
After tomorrow	明後日（あさって）	明後日（みょうごにち）
Last night	昨日の夜	昨夜（さくや）
Tomorrow morning	明日の朝	明朝（みょうちょう）
From tomorrow	明日以降	後日（ごじつ）
This year	今年	本年（ほんねん）
The other day	この間	先日（せんじつ）
On that day	その日	当日（とうじつ）
Last year	: 去年（きょねん）	去年（さくねん）
Year before last	一昨年（おととし）	一昨年（いっさくねん）
Soon, shortly	もうすぐ	まもなく
Now	いま	ただいま
Earlier	前に	以前（いぜん）
Later	あとで	後ほど（あとほど）
Immediately	すぐに	さっそく
This time, now	今度	このたび
Just now	さっき	先ほど（さきほど）
Where	どこ	どちら
This way	こっち	こちら
That way	あっち	あちら
Over there	そっち	そちら
Which one	どっち	どちら
Just a minute	ちょっと	少々（しょうしょう）
Very, terribly	とても	大変（たいへん）
Very, greatly	すごく	非常に（ひじょうに）
How many, how much	どのくらい	いかほど
A few, a little:	少し	些少（さしょう）
Considerable	多い	多大（ただい）
About, approximately	～ぐらい	～ほど

When Should I Use Japanese Keigo?

Well, respectful language should be used toward older people, toward distinguished people, and in the workplace. Of course, exceptions exist and that is why keigo is as difficult for native speakers as for learners.

The respectful language can be strictly applied in one company or more loose in another. Foreigners often get slack from the Japanese as they do not expect a non-native to master this speech.

The difficulty also resides in the unknown: a gathering of people you do not know and here you are at loss, not knowing who is eminent, who has your age and who is younger. In some contexts, casual speech is preferred as an ice breaker while Keigo would be considered too distant.

Speaking Keigo As a Foreigner in Japan

While native speakers are expected to use proper keigo (and if they do not, they are seen as unprofessional and will be frowned upon), the same is not always true for non-native speakers. Foreigners are often forgiven for their misuse of keigo and are excused for not having a good command of that high level of Japanese.

That being said, you should do your best to try and learn Japanese keigo. And the best way to master the Japanese honorific is to learn slowly but surely all the ins and outs of respectful speech.

Keigo is also widely used in the workplace. Check out our business Japanese courses and send us an inquiry if you want to know more about Japanese keigo.

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FAQ

What is Keigo?

Keigo is the Japanese system of honorific language used to show respect, politeness, and humility depending on the social context.

Why is Keigo important in Japanese?

It reflects respect for hierarchy and social relationships. Using keigo correctly is essential in formal situations like work, customer service, and meeting new people.

What are the main types of Keigo?

Teineigo (丁寧語): Polite language using -masu/-desu endings.
Sonkeigo (尊敬語): Respectful language for elevating others.
Kenjōgo (謙譲語): Humble language to lower yourself or your in-group.

When should I use Sonkeigo?

When referring to the actions of someone above you in status, like a boss, customer, or teacher.

When should I use Kenjougo?

When talking about your own actions in a formal setting, especially in service roles or business.

Is Teineigo enough for daily conversations?

Yes! Teineigo is perfectly fine for general polite conversations, especially if you’re a learner or in casual-professional settings.

Do native speakers always use Keigo perfectly?

Not always. Even native speakers adjust based on context and may sometimes mix forms casually.

How can I practice Keigo?

Listen to real conversations (like in dramas or customer service), mimic phrases, and study common verb transformations for each keigo type.

Is Keigo only for business?

No—while it’s crucial in business, it’s also used in schools, public services, formal events, and when meeting someone for the first time.

Want to work in Japan? You might like related content like:

Living in Japan, I’ve always faced the uncertainty of speaking keigo and “casual” Japanese (tameguchi). Beyond social hierarchy (as in who’s higher than you), the degree of intimacy and relationship plays a big role in how you should communicate. It’s not just the literal word that conveys the meaning, but the delivery and tone of speech that reveals your intentions.

This won’t be a full breakdown of keigo, as we have a very thorough section dedicated to helping you understand the formal Japanese language (like knowing Japanese honorifics). This won’t also be a list of Japanese slang or swear words. Instead, this will be a more generic guide on the difference between using Keigo and tameguchi.

Sometimes, people use a mix of keigo and tameguchi. If you’re starting out, you might be so conflicted on which form to use that you end up switching one with the other. This is completely fine — as fine as a common Japanese language mistake all learners make, of course.

Jump to:

Keigo (敬語) vs Tameguchi (タメ口)
What’s Keigo? Teineigo, Sonkeigo and Kenjougo
When You Shouldn’t Use Keigo
What’s Tameguchi? Casual Japanese Form
When Can You Use Tameguchi?
When Should You Not Use Tameguchi?
Where to Learn — and Not to Learn — Tameguchi

Keigo (敬語) vs Tameguchi (タメ口)

Going back to the first sentence, I’ve faced a bunch of awkward conversations in the konbini where I would bounce between speaking in keigo and tameguchi with the employee. Here’s an example:

袋がいらないだけど。レシートをいただけますか？
Fukuro ga iranai da. Reshiito o itadakemasuka?
I don’t need a plastic bag, but can I get the receipt?

In the first sentence, I’m (involuntarily) using tameguchi: using da instead of desu. This makes my statement feels blunter. The second sentence uses the basic keigo rule: replacing morau (to receive) with its most humble form itadaku.

Meaning-wise, you can bet that you get the message across, but imagining you’re talking with a mix of old, Victorian-era English with Gen-Z lingo. Yikes.

Generally, keigo Japanese shows respect and politeness to strangers, but when you’re using it in every conversation with store staff and employees, you can sound as if you’re trying too hard — which, frankly, you are. At the same time, using a too-casual form can easily make someone frown. The easiest way is to stick with formal Japanese.

However, as you get more comfortable with speaking Japanese, you may want to ‘upgrade’ said skill. After all, how can you prove you’re advanced in speaking the language when you don’t speak like a native?

What’s Keigo? Teineigo, Sonkeigo and Kenjougo

Keigo is the Japanese polite form used when you meet someone for the first time or strangers, elders, people who have higher social status than you — and, often dismissed, when you’re talking to an out-group.

The first three groups are pretty self-explanatory, and most of you probably know about this when you’re just starting to learn Japanese. If you go to luxury department stores, supermarkets or konbini, the staff will always speak in keigo.

いらっしゃいませ！
Irrashaimase!
Welcome!

When you’re talking to your boss and clients, you will also use the same keigo form. To address yourself and your own actions, you will use the Japanese humble form, kenjougo (謙譲語), in front of them.

However, when referring to someone in your inner circle, you should humble them too. What does that mean? For example, while you might use kenjougo to refer to yourself in front of your boss and clients, what happens when you’re out with your boss together to have a meeting with your client?

When this happens, you represent both the company and your boss. The concept of “in-group” stipulates that they’re part of you too, so even though your manager. An important thing to know is that you “raise” people from your out-group while you lower the peope in your in-group, regardless of the individual’s status from the beginning.

The other type of Japanese keigo is 尊敬語 (sonkeigo). Think of kenjougo as an honorific form that humbles the person who’s talking. Referring to yourself in the most humble way “raises” the status listener. Sonkeigo, on the other hand, “elevates” and shows respect for superiors, out-groups and people in a higher position.

Keep in mind that Japanese keigo (polite form) is different from formal Japanese, also known as teineigo. For everyday interactions with strangers, standard teineigo (丁寧語) will do just fine. For example:

私の名前はコトです。
Watashi no namae wa koto desu.
My name is Coto.

私はコトと申します。
Watashi wa koto to moushimasu.
My name is Coto.

The first sentence uses formal Japanese, while the second uses the most humble form of “~ to say”. Although both means “My name is (name)”, these sentences carry a different nuance and will present you in a different way.

When You Shouldn’t Use Keigo

While it is okay to use keigo to strangers who might be younger than you, if you are an adult talking to an obvious kid in keigo, you’ll get a few raised eyebrows. They’ll probably understand (although some younger Japanese children may not know keigo yet), but they will feel strange.

The most important thing is to not use exaggerated keigo speech you hear and read in Japanese pop culture: anime, manga or historical movies. Remember that the Japanese used in these media are totally different than the ones in real life. You don’t want to sound like a low-caste farmer talking to a feudal lord during the samurai era.

What’s Tameguchi? Casual Japanese Form

Tameguchi is a form of Japanese language used to refer to speaking to someone else as an equal — without using humble, honorific or even formal language. Tameguchi” means a way of talking that doesn’t contain polite expressions in Japanese conversation.

The ため in this word was originally a gambling term, referring to when a pair of dice landed on the same number. The word “guchi” comes from the kanji kuchi (口), which means mouth or way of talking. The other name for tameguchi is tamego (タメ語) — 語 meaning “language”.

Tameguchi is casual and, if used in the wrong scenario, impolite. One of the easiest ways to spot the difference between polite, formal and casual Japanese is the length.

やっば〜！宿題忘れちゃった！
Yabbaa! Shukudai wasurechatta!
Oh no! I forgot my homework!

Tameguchi, or casual Japanese, tend to be shorter compared to keigo. Let’s take a look at a scenario where you are asking someone to pass you the salt.

お塩を回していただけますでしょうか。(Keigo)
Oshio o mawashite itadakemashouka?

塩ちょうだい。(Tameguchi)
Shio choudai.

Notice the first sentence is way longer than the second? This is because it incorporates all the basic rules of keigo: adding the honorific prefixes of o (お) or go (ご) and いただく.

Another example is written below.

大阪へはどうやっていけますか？(Teineigo)
Oosaka e wa dou yatte ikemasuka?
How do you get to Osaka?

大阪へはどうやって行くの? (Tameguchi)
Oosaka e wa dou yatte iku no?

When Can You Use Tameguchi?

When you’re talking to someone younger, it’s usually okay to use casual Japanese — even if you are meeting them for the first time. Remember that seniority plays a big part in Japanese society. Elders will use it when they’re talking to kids. It is, however, a big red flag when you reverse the situation. You should never use tameguchi to someone you’re trying to show respect to.

Japanese people adopt a high-context culture, which means there are many factors taken into consideration in communication: status, social relationships, social environment, formality, non-verbal gestures and even silence. Because of this, you might come across a few trials and errors before you can discern the appropriate time to use tameguchi and keigo.

When you are not sure, formal Japanese is probably the best form of the Japanese language.

**When Should You Not Use Tameguchi**?

If you have just met a person and they talk to you as if they’ve known you all their life, you might feel a bit uncomfortable.

In Western culture, ‘casual’ language is a great way to break down the ice and help relax the mood. However, you don’t want to present yourself as ‘too friendly’ in front of a stranger. There’s not really an exact point when you can use tameguchi, but generally, you both need to establish a good, intimate relationship.

Where to Learn — and Not to Learn — Tameguchi

The same thing goes for tameguchi. You wouldn’t want to imitate the slang and way of talking from anime or manga — particularly if it’s shounen (young boy’s) genre.

Think of anime dialogue as the sort of dialogue you’d hear among 12-year-olds at recess, where they’re just shouting “Baka!” While some shows do take place in business seating and incorporate more polite, realistic characters, most of them tilt towards one extremity: super polite or super rude.

In most cases, dialogue in anime is very direct. Used outside the context of anime, it comes off as coarse, insulting, and even derogatory. The easiest way to look at it is this: even anime voice actors don’t speak like that. Instead, they often overexaggerate the words and manipulate the tone of their voice depending on the character’s personality.

Learning Japanese from anime might make you more comfortable with the language and its structure, but taken by itself, it can really throw off your progress. The last thing you want to do is default your Japanese speaking skill to super-casual.

Learning Japanese casual forms is a bit more tricky than learning keigo as there are seldom formal lessons about it. JLPT N2 and N1 examine your ability to use Japanese in the business setting, so keigo is usually part of the curriculum of many JLPT prep courses and advanced-level classes.

However, tameguchi is not often taught in classroom lessons as often as in formal forms. Your best bet is to learn from comics, social media — and Japanese people. Try listening to your Japanese friends when they’re talking to one another. Slowly, you’ll start to adopt a few informal Japanese and obtain enough fluency to interact with them on a more personal, casual level. This is what’s known as immersion-based learning, where you learn a new language in the most natural way by interacting directly in the environment.

Conclusion

Some people use tameguchi when they speak to foreigners because it’s simple and straightforward, while keigo relies on a lot of implications.

However, Japanese people are more tolerant when non-native speakers use tameguchi in the wrong setting. Using over-enunciated street slang or super-casual Japanese isn’t seen as ignorance, but rather “beginner errors” in the use of language.

What is tameguchi?

Tameguchi is a form of Japanese language used to refer to speaking to someone else as an equal — without using humble, honorific or even formal Japanese expressions.

What is keigo?

Keigo refers to words, phrases, and conjugations in the Japanese language that are used in formal or official situations.

When should we use keigo?

You use keigo when you’re talking to someone who is older than you or has a higher social status. You may also use them when you are talking to a stranger.

Learning the Japanese language that you can actually use in real life can be tricky. What you learn in textbooks may not always be used in real life. Coto Academy has excellent teachers and lessons that can take you from beginner to advanced. We also offer programs to improve your business Japanese and understanding of Japanese culture. If you are interested in learning with us, contact us here.

Introduction
Rules of Japanese Honorific Prefixes
Frequent Expressions

Japanese Polite Prefixes

When learning the Japanese respectful speech called Keigo, the attention is often focused on verbs construction and the social relations between a speaker and a listener. However, Keigo covers more than set expressions and situational examples, and in particular Japanese uses Honorific Prefixes.
Most of you might know that the Japanese honorific prefixes お (O) or ご (Go) can be added to some nouns.
お水（みず）
Water
ご家族（かぞく）
Family
Among all rules of Keigo, there is a special one that deserves all our attention. Despite being often reduced to 2 or 3 lines in textbooks, learners are often deprived of the ability to enjoy the concept and explanation of the said rule. Have you ever heard of its the name and what we can consider a subdivision of Keigo?
美化語（びかご）
Beautified Speech
The word beautification is the art of making words more polite by adding Japanese Honorific Prefixes to noun or to the Polite Form of Verbs. In the ears of Japanese people, the adjunction of “O” and “Go” adds beauty to one’s words and manner.

However, for Japanese learners, this construction can be a bit tricky.

Rules of Japanese Honorific Prefixes

In general, the difficulty resides in knowing when to correctly and consistently use the Japanese Honorific Prefixes. In order to correctly place お or ご, it is necessary to understand the distinction between 音読（おんよ）み, the Chinese reading, as well as 訓読（くんよ）み, the Japanese reading.

Before a native Japanese word, you should place an お. The prefix お can be attached to a noun but can also be attached to a verb stem for the grammatical construction of Keigo.
Before a Sino-Japanese word, you should place ご. The tough part comes in when you have to figure which words comes from China.
However, note that there are exceptions whereby a Sino-Japanese Word has an お attached to it instead of a ご:
- - Tea: “o-cha” (お茶ちゃ)
- Get well: “o-daijini” (お大事だいじに)

Frequent Expressions

To further understand the readings and origins of the Japanese vocabulary is not an easy task. Our best advice would be to actively listen to natives speaking Japanese and thereafter memorize which words come with お and which words come with ご.
The set expressions frequently heard when in Japan are easy to remember.

お願いします (please)
お待たせしました (sorry for keeping you waiting)
ご協力をお願いします (we ask for your cooperation)

One important group that you can easily remember is the family vocabulary. When referring to somebody else’s family, you should try to place an お before the noun. This in turn changes the reading of the kanji at the same time:

	Your Family	Somebody else’s Family
Father	父（ちち）	お父（とう）さん
Mother	母（はは）	お母（かあ）さん
Older Sister	姉（あね）	お姉さん
Older Brother	兄（あに）	お兄さん

Although creating a list of all the existing combination of nouns with the prefixes would be quite a challenge, you may find the ones below very common:

お菓子（かし）: sweets
お水（みず）: water
お薬（くすり）: medicine
お野菜（やさい）: vegetable
お魚（さかな）: fish
お卵（たまご）: egg
ご飯（はん）: rice, meal
お酒（さけ）: alcohol
お財布（さいふ）: wallet
お帽子（ぼうし）: hat
お写真（しゃしん）: picture
お車（くるま）: car
お手紙（てがみ）: letter
お時間（じかん）: time

As you may have noticed, the Japanese honorific prefixes are only attached to native Japanese words or words borrowed from Chinese. As a general rule, katakana words – loan words from other languages, are excluded. However, do not be surprised, if you hear some Japanese saying おビール (beer) or おトイレ (toilet), おタバコ (tobacco).
Also, if you are looking to address someone else, here are some honorific titles such as San, Sama, Kun and Chan you can use!

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Gratitude and appreciation for the little things are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, but did you know that saying “thank you” in Japanese isn’t as simple as it seems?

Depending on who you’re speaking to, the phrase you use can change significantly. And we’re not just talking about the difference between “arigatou” and “arigatou gozaimasu.” For example, the way you thank a friend differs from how you thank a client. The social proximity and status between the speaker and the degree of politeness determine the best manners and phrases to use. From the formal kansha shimasu to the English loanword that’s popular among young men, sankyuu, every situation calls for a different “thank you”.

But don’t worry! Here’s a practical guide to 20 different ways to say “thank you” in Japanese. We’ll break down when to use each phrase (and when not to), explain the nuances behind them, and give you example situations so you can express gratitude naturally in Japan.

What is Thank You in Japanese?

The most basic and commonly used way to say “thank you” in Japanese is 「ありがとうございます」(arigatou gozaimasu). However, Japanese is a language rich in nuance and politeness, so there are several variations of the phrase depending on the level of formality, the situation, and who you are speaking with.

Kanji for Arigatou（ありがとう）

The kanji for arigatou is 有り難い. The word was originally used in Buddhism, where 有る (aru) means “existing; being”. If you’ve learned a few kanji, you will probably be familiar with the second character, 難, which is also used for the Japanese adjective muzukashii (難しい), which means “difficult”.

Here, 難い comes from gatou (難う), which carries the same meaning (muzukashii) and is derived from the Japanese adjective “difficult.”

Together, they both can be translated to “something that rarely exists,” “difficult to have,” or “something rare and precious.“

Think of the phrase arigatou as a Japanese proverb: Having someone do something for you is a rare and precious thing.

Now, the word arigatou is often written in hiragana. ありがとう or, if you’re familiar with the more formal and long way to say thank you, ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu).

History of Arigatou（ありがとう）

It’s interesting to look at the kanji characters that trace their historical roots back to the 8th Century.

According to the kokugo dictionary (national dictionary), arigatashi originally meant “difficult to exist”, which later had its meaning changed to “something rare”. It wasn’t until the 15th century that it eventually came to mean welcome or thankful.

Culture of Saying Thank You in Japan

Japanese culture and way of living are reflected in its language. Different pronouns, honorific titles and verb forms are used depending on the relationship between speaker and listener, ranging from downright rude to the utmost respect.

Similar to saying sorry, expressing the basic arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) is tightly related to the Japanese culture of groupthink, humility and compassion. In Japan, people try to put the priority of their in-group (uchi) ahead of their own personal desires.

Ironically, one “ありがとうございます” in a Japanese work setting can come off as curt and insincere. Instead, say thanks a second time is necessary to show one’s sincere feelings of appreciation for receiving a kind gesture.

For example, instead of saying “Thank you for waiting,” Japanese people might opt to say “Sorry for keeping you so long.” They might not necessarily seek forgiveness, but this apology is a token of politeness and humility.

This is because “thank you” and “sorry” fits nicely with one another — or, at least, in Japan’s structured society. Sometimes, it seems like a few minutes of Japanese thank-yous amongst a group of recipients will last an eternity.

Keep in mind that in formal writing and business situations, the word can be written as either 有り難う or 有難う followed by ございます.

It’s perfectly acceptable and quite common in business situations to say thank you in its hiragana form as ありがとうございます. And if you feel really appreciative of what you have received, you can add どうも or おおきに to the beginning of the previous word.

Casual and Everyday Ways to Say Thank You in Japanese

1. Sankyuu (サンキュー)

Sounds familiar? The word sankyuu is a loanword taken too literally from the English phrase “thank you”. The Japanese alphabet doesn’t recognize the consonant “th, so the “s” is used (full table on converting English to Japanese consonants here).

And because it’s a loanword, it means it’s written in katakana, too. There are typically two written versions: サンキュー (with a long “u” vowel sound at the end) and サンキュ (with a short “u” vowel).

It goes without saying, but never use サンキュー to someone socially higher or older than you. Only use this on your friends whom you are close to, as even saying it to a same-aged classmate or colleague can give the wrong impression of being “too friendly”.

Most of the time, this casual way of saying thank you in Japanese is used by young Japanese people.

2. Azassu (あざっす)

Sankyuu is a loan word, but azassu is a popular Japanese slang. The word actually comes from the original ありがとうございます. If you try saying it fast, you’ll notice that you’re going to skip some vowels and consonants. That’s how azassu was born.

This is one of the slang words that are popular among Japanese men. In the same way saying ore sounds more rough and masculine, あざっす has a light and casual tone. It can be written as あざーす、あざーっす or あざす. It depends on the length of the vowel you might want to emphasize.

3. Azamasu (あざます)

Another branch of the same slang word above, あざます is popular among young people in Japan. Other variations include ざす(zasu) and あざお(azao). You’ll notice that men tend to use these slang words more often than women, too.

4. Doumo (どうも)

Domo and arigatou tend to have similar formality levels expressed in quite casual situations. Domo is used more often by male speakers and is less often heard among Japanese women.

It’s a quick, shortened way to say thank you to your friends or family if you don’t want to use slang words. Keep in mind that, rank-wise, doumo is more casual than the shortened arigatou. Because of this, save this for someone who has the same social status, if not lower than you.

This phrase for saying thank you is extremely casual. It’s an even more casual way to say thank in Japanese than “arigatou”. Because of its extreme light tone, this phrase is often used with people at the same social status level as you or lower, like your friends and younger siblings. It’s also okay to say it to the cashier or restaurant staff.

5. Sumimasen (すみません)

すみません (Sumimasen) literally means “excuse me” or “sorry,” but in Japanese it’s also commonly used to say thank you, especially when someone has gone out of their way to help you or do you a favor. This expression conveys a mix of gratitude and a slight feeling of apology for causing trouble or inconvenience.

For example, if someone holds the door open for you or helps you carry something heavy, saying sumimasen shows you appreciate their effort while acknowledging you might have caused them a little extra work.

Sometimes, sumimasen is even more natural than just saying “thank you” directly.

6. Sumanai (すまない)

You know how “azasu” is a slangy, shortened version of “arigatou gozaimasu”? Well, “sumanai” works the same way for “sumimasen.” It’s an informal, rougher-sounding way to say sorry or even thank you, depending on the context.

You’ll often hear guys using it more than girls, but it’s not a gendered phrase. It just carries a slightly tougher or blunt tone. Like with most casual Japanese slang, this one’s best reserved for close friends or peers. Definitely don’t use it with your boss or in any formal situation!

7. Arigatou (ありがとう)

Arigatou is really an archetypical way to express a friendly-casual thank you in Japanese. Arigatou has an identical meaning to the English “thanks”, which means that you probably know that it shouldn’t be used in formal situations.

However, because it’s less casual than doumo, you can still use it with someone older than you, like your senpai, parents or ojiisan. Keep in mind that, while it’s acceptable, the most important thing is the relationship distance you have with them.

8. Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

Adding gozaimasu signifies an even more formal situation, the distance between the speakers and is typically used in business encounters. It shows respect and politeness. You can also use this form for strangers, like a waiter, the konbini clerk or a distant acquaintance.

Notice sometimes people switch between the present and past tense of arigatou gozaimasu? You say arigatou gozaimashita (ありがとうございました) when someone has already helped or done a favor.

For example, if someone is offering a hand to carry your luggage, you will use the present tense.

荷物を持ってくれてありがとうございます。
Nimotsu o motte kurete arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you for carrying my luggage.

However, if that person has carried the luggage yesterday, you’d opt for arigatou gozaimashita instead.

昨日, 荷物を持ってくれてありがとうございました。
Kinou, nimotsu o motte kurete arigatou gozaimashita.
Thank you for carrying my luggage yesterday.

9. Doumo arigatou gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます)

In this case, adding doumo on the front emphasizes your appreciation further and makes it more polite. Besides that, you can use hontou ni (本当に), which means truly.

本当にありがとうございます。
I am truly thankful.

10. Doumo arigatou ( どうもありがとう)

This expression is a small step up from a simple “arigatou,” but it’s a bit more casual and friendly than “arigatou gozaimasu.” It’s best used with friends, family, or younger people to show your gratitude in a warm, informal way. “Doumo” by itself can also be used casually, but we’ll cover that shortly.

11. Kurete arigatou (～くれてありがとう)

～くれてありがとう is used when you want to say “thank you for [doing something]” and attach a verb to show what action you’re thankful for. It’s commonly used in casual situations with friends, family, or people close to you. Use this structure when you’re directly thanking someone for an action they did for you or someone in your inner circle.

To use it, attach it to the て-form of a verb, which acts like a “connector” in Japanese grammar.

手伝ってくれてありがとう
Tetsudatte kurete arigatou
Thanks for helping me.

How to Say Thank You in Business Japanese

Now that we’ve gone over some casual and everyday ways to express appreciation in Japanese, let’s shift to how to say thank you in professional or workplace settings. These phrases are typically reserved for office communication and are especially common in business emails. Using them for everyday situations might come across as overly formal or stiff.

12. Kansha shimasu (感謝します)

This is usually used in business emails, more often written than spoken, as you can come off as stiff or “old-school” if you attempt to say it. The word kansha (感謝) means thanks or gratitude, which is, of course, the same as the other thank-yous above, but it has a more polite tone to it.

In business Japanese emails, you can start off with itsumo sapoto shiteitadaki, kansha shimasu (いつもさーポッとしていただき、感謝します), which means “thank you for your continued support”

You will need to add the verb する after the end. If you want to level up the formality and flex your business Japanese skill, you can use Japanese keigo instead and follow the typical rule of adding a prefix on the noun and changing する to its humble form: いたす.

The highest degree you can get from using 感謝します as an alternative to arigatou gozaimasu is ご感謝いたします (gokansha ita shimasu).

心の底からご感謝いたします。
Kokoro no soko kara gokansha ita shimasu.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

13. Osoreirimasu (恐れ入ります)

Lastly is the most formal phrase 恐れ入ります (おそれいります), used to thank someone for the trouble they went through to help you. The word osore (恐れ) means uneasiness, reverence or concern.

Like sumimasen, 恐れ入ります doesn’t translate immediately as “thank you” in Japanese. Even Japanese people don’t use it often, as it’s only used in super formal situations like in meetings. You can think of this phrase as something like, “Would you be so kind?”

Unlike sumimasen, which can be used as an apology, osoreirimasu is used to only acknowledge the trouble someone has done for you.

恐れ入りますが、私手紙を出してくれませんか？
Osoreirimasuga, watashi tegami o dashitekuremasenka?
Would you be so kind as to post my letter?

14. Arigataki shiawase (ありがたき幸せ)

We can’t help but sneak this one in. If you’ve never heard of it before, that’s completely understandable. Arigataki shiawase is an old-fashioned way used by Japanese samurai to show gratitude to their lord. If you like to watch Japanese historical drama, you’ve probably come across it a few times.

Now, some people still like to use it in a sarcastic way. It is sometimes used as an old-fashioned expression with humor when you catch a person doing something they don’t usually do.

まさか、お弁当を作って下さるなんて、誠にありがたき幸せにござります。
Masaka, obentou o tsukutte kudasaru nante, makoto ni arigataki shiwase ni gozarimasu.
No way… I am very grateful and happy that you made me a lunchbox.

15. Haisha moushiwagemasu ( 拝謝申し上げます)

“拝謝申し上げます” is a very polite and formal way to express gratitude. It is often used in business settings or formal written communication to show deep respect and sincere thanks to the other person.

The meaning is similar to saying, “I humbly express my heartfelt thanks” or “I sincerely offer my gratitude.” This Japanese thank you phrase uses keigo, with an implied meaning that you are putting yourself socially below the person you are thanking.

16. Otsukare sama desu (おつかれさまです)

This isn’t technically an official way to say “thank you” in Japanese, but otsukaresama desu (お疲れ様です) is a versatile phrase widely used in the workplace. It carries several meanings—it can be a greeting, a way to say “good job,” or a polite way to express appreciation for someone’s effort. In many cases, it functions as a congratulatory or thankful phrase.

For example, you might say it after finishing a presentation with a coworker or to thank someone for sending out an important email. It’s a go-to phrase for acknowledging and appreciating someone’s hard work in a professional setting.

17. Itadaite arigatou (~いただいてありがとうございます)

いただいてありがとうございます is a very polite and formal way to say “thank you for giving me [something]” in Japanese. It uses the humble verb いただく, which means “to receive,” typically used when you’re talking about receiving something from someone of higher status or when you want to sound respectful.

The phrase is formed by taking the て-form of いただく (いただいて) and attaching ありがとうございます, the polite form of “thank you.” This construction is commonly used in business settings, emails, or formal conversations to express gratitude for something you’ve been given, such as a message, a reply, or documents.

For example, you might say ご連絡をいただいてありがとうございます to mean “Thank you for contacting me.”

Saying Thank You When Eating in Japan

While you can always say arigatou gozaimasu to thank someone for the food, did you know that Japanese dining etiquette has specific phrases to use depending on whether you are about to start or have just finished your meal?

18. Itadakimasu (頂きます)

Itadakimasu is a polite phrase traditionally said before eating a meal in Japan. While it literally means “I humbly receive,” it carries a much deeper cultural meaning. Saying itadakimasu is a way of expressing gratitude, not just to the person who prepared the food, but also to the farmers, animals, plants, and everyone involved in bringing the meal to the table.

Though there’s no direct equivalent in English, it’s sometimes compared to saying “Let’s eat” or “Bon appétit.”

19. Gouchisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした)

Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) is the standard phrase you say after finishing a meal in Japanese to thank the person who prepared, treated, or served the food. Literally, 馳走 once meant “to run about” (as in going to great lengths to prepare a feast), so the phrase conveys appreciation for all the effort behind the meal.

Don’t get mistaken between itadakimasu and gouchisousama deshita! Itadakimasu is said before you eat the food. Gouchisousama deshita is said after you finish eating!

Bonus: Bowing to say Thank You in Japanese

Showing appreciation in Japan isn’t always about words—nonverbal gestures like bowing, or ojigi, play a huge role in expressing gratitude and respect. Bowing is a tradition that dates back over 1,000 years and remains an essential part of Japanese culture today.

Typically, bowing is done from the waist with a straight back. The angle of your bow conveys how humble or respectful you are being: a slight 15-degree bow is casual and common for everyday situations, such as acknowledging a shopkeeper. A deeper 30-degree bow is more formal and often used in professional settings, like greeting clients or coworkers. The deepest bows—around 45 degrees—are reserved for expressing deep gratitude, sincere apologies, or when meeting someone very important.

Of course, if someone just did you a small favor, you don’t need to perform a formal bow. A quick nod or a brief bow can still effectively show your sincerity and thanks.

How to Use Sumimasen and Arigatou in Context

If you live in Japan, you’ll probably realize that sumimasen might as well be Japanese people’s favorite word. That’s because すみません is a versatile word with multiple meanings, ready to be used across different social contexts. It can be said in situations where the English “excuse me” and “sorry” would fit.

遅くてすみませんでした！
Osokute sumimasen deshita!
I’m sorry for being late!

すみません、通ります。
Sumimasen, toorimasu.
Excuse me, I’m going through.

Check out: Apologizing in Japanese

Besides these two functions, sumimasen can be used to express gratitude for someone who’s gone through all the trouble helping us. Think of the word as “sorry for being a nuisance.” In other words, when you’re thanking someone, you’re also making a fuss or bothering them. You thank them for allowing you to inconvenience them. This is why, oftentimes, “thank you” goes hand in hand with “I’m sorry”.

Because of this, Japanese people actually use sumimasen a lot more than arigatou. For example, instead of being grateful that someone is holding the elevator for you, you’d say sumimasen. In this case, you’re implying, “Sorry (but thank you) for holding the elevator for me.”

Sumimasen and arigatou don’t have to be used separately, though. You can combine domo, sumimasen and arigatou together when speaking Japanese.

Occasionally, you can attach the word wazawaza (わざわざ ), which means “purposefully”. When you do, it emphasizes your appreciation for bothering someone.

わざわざ、すみません。ありがとうございます。
Wazawaza, sumimasen. Arigatou gozaimasu.

どうも、すみません、ありがとうございました。
Doumo, sumimasen, arigatou gozaimashita.

Conclusion

And there you have, a quick guide on how the Japanese use all these permutations to specifically show their appreciation and thanks based upon the situation at hand. Pay particular attention to the situation for which you have been thanked, and you will gradually develop a greater sensitivity to how the expression “thank you” is properly used in Japanese. If you want to learn more, why not join Japanese lessons in Tokyo, or practice with an online Japanese tutor with Coto Academy?

Fill out the form below for a free level check and get a personalized recommendation by our friendly staff!

FAQ

What is the most common way to say thank you in Japanese?

The most common way is 「ありがとうございます」(arigatou gozaimasu). It’s polite and appropriate in most situations, especially when speaking to people you don’t know well.

What does ありがとう (arigatou) mean?

「ありがとう」(arigatou) is a casual way to say “thank you” in Japanese. It’s typically used with friends, family, or people of the same age or lower status.

What's the difference between arigatou and arigatou gozaimasu?

Arigatou is casual and best for informal situations, while arigatou gozaimasu is more polite and respectful. Use the polite version when talking to someone older, in a professional setting, or with people you don’t know well.

Is it rude to only say arigatou?

It’s not rude if you’re speaking casually with friends or people you know well. But in formal or unfamiliar settings, it’s better to use arigatou gozaimasu to sound more polite and respectful.

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Saying sorry in Japanese is often much more than simply apologizing. Once you start living here and having daily conversations, you’ll notice that phrases like sumimasen (すみません) appear in situations where — from a Western point of view — a simple “thank you” might seem more appropriate. For example, if you hold the elevator door open for someone, they might respond with sumimasen instead of arigatou. This can be confusing at first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the cultural nuance behind the phrase.

“すみません！ありがとうございます。”
Sumimasen! Arigatou gozaimasu.

That is because in Japanese culture, apologies are not just about guilt — they’re a way to show humility, politeness, and consideration. And subsequently, there are many ways to say sorry, each with different levels of formality and subtle meaning. It’s good to understand the significance of each apology. In this article, we’ll look at the many ways to say sorry in Japanese, when to use each one, and how understanding these expressions can help you communicate more naturally and respectfully.

Before we proceed with the article, please note that it will utilize hiragana, so prior knowledge of this script is necessary. If you’re still learning them, don’t worry. Take a look at our hiragana chart to review them.

The Culture of Apologizing in Japanese Society

As you might know, Japanese people are known for their collectiveness and emphasis on harmony and coexisting with others. Individuals are expected to be mindful of how their actions affect those around them and to take responsibility accordingly. This mindset is deeply woven into daily life, from how people express gratitude and greet each other to how they navigate both personal and professional relationships.
Even if an individual is born with a unique set of personalities, in Japanese culture, the group comes before the individual. Because of this, harmony inside the group — which, in this case, is a society in general — should be maintained as much as possible.

In Japan, it’s expected to avoid causing meiwaku (迷惑), which means to trouble or annoy others, is one of the bases of Japanese politeness in public spaces. You can see it from small things, like people getting off their phone calls as soon as they go on public transport.

Being polite and courteous is the key to keeping social harmony intact in Japan. Along the way, people make “mistakes”.

Let’s revisit the elevator scenario. Why did the man say sumimasen instead of arigatou?

In Japanese, sumimasen isn’t just used to apologize — it also acknowledges that someone has gone out of their way for you. In this case, the man is essentially saying, “I’m sorry to have made you wait,” showing both apology and gratitude at the same time. That subtle mix of feelings is deeply rooted in Japanese communication.

In other words, it’s common for people in Japan to say sorry even for the smallest inconveniences. It’s a way of showing awareness of how your actions affect others — not just following social norms, but actively reflecting on them.

When Do I Need to Apologize in Japan?

1. When You Made a Mistake

This is obvious, but many of us might feign ignorance when we make a small mistake. It’s important to know that no matter how small, you need to give a genuine apology. Using respectful or humble Japanese form in particular when saying sorry, will come across as more intense.

2. When You’re Causing “Inconvenience”

When someone does a favor for you, like holding a door open and working an hour late to help you, it’s considered polite to “apologize” for causing an inconvenience.

3. When You Want to Show Appreciation

A lot of times, it’s acceptable — encouraged, even — to apologize to someone as a thankful gesture. It’s a way to show appreciation for someone who put thought and effort into you. Think of it like saying, “I’m sorry you have to go all this way for me.”

How to Apologize in Japanese: Everyday Use and Casual

When you accidentally step on your friend’s foot, we don’t expect you to do a full 90-degree bow and use very formal Japanese to apologize. It’s important to know that the Japanese language has several levels of formality, from casual to super polite. This all depends on who you’re talking to and the social context.

When you want to make a casual apology, we recommend using a casual Japanese form, or 丁寧語 (teinieigo). These versions of “I’m sorry” are more commonly used for everyday situations and small inconveniences.

For a deep dive into the difference between keigo (polite) and tameguchi (casual), head to our article here.

1. ごめんなさい (gomennasai): Sorry

The most common and straightforward way to apologize in Japanese comes in a lot of variations. Either way, be careful not to use it when you’re trying to apologize to your boss or superiors. While in English, there’s only one “sorry”, think of gomenasai as the most casual apology that translates directly to, well, sorry. If you want to add more sincerity, you can add the Japanese adverb 本当に:

本当にごめんなさい。
Hontou ni gomennasai.
I am so sorry.

私のせいで、ごめんなさい。
Watashi no sei de, gomennasai.
It was my fault, I’m sorry.

2. ごめんね (gomen ne): Sorry, man.

Now, this word is actually the shortened version of gomennasai, but you really need to use it with great caution. There’s a slightly playful and casual undertone when you use this. Depending on the situation too, it minimizes the intensity of your apology, so you shouldn’t use the phrase in a serious situation. You can say this when you bump on your friend or use their pen by mistake, but not when you accidentally kick a ball through your neighbor’s window.

ペン落としちゃった！ごめんね！
Pen otoshichatta! Gomen ne!
I dropped (your) pen! Sorry, man!

Note: In casual conversations among friends, Japanese people usually omit particles like を or は.

3. すみません (sumimasen): Excuse me

People usually rotate between sumimasen and gommenasai, so what’s the difference? ごめんなさい (gomennasai) is strictly used to apologize for something you did wrong. すみません (sumimasen) is used to apologize, too, but the word itself is so much more versatile. In fact, sumimasen can be used for non-apologetic situations, like telling someone you’re passing by or letting them go ahead first when entering a room.

すみません、後ろに通ります。
Sumimasen, ushiro ni toorimasu.
Excuse me, I’m passing from behind.

すみません、どうぞ。
Sumimasen, douzo.
Excuse me, go ahead.

So while すみません often seems interchangeable with ごめんなさい, the prior is a broader expression. In terms of nuance, gomennasai has a slightly more apologetic tone to it.

4. 悪い (warui): My bad

Similar to gomen ne that we discussed above, 悪い (warui) is another casual way to say sorry in Japanese. You’re not directly apologizing. Rather, you’re acknowledging you did something wrong, like saying “My bad!” in English.

You should only use warui to apologize to friends and peers for non-serious matters. Think of this as slang words between two very good friends.

悪い悪い!
Warui warui!
My bad!

Instead of saying warui na, you might also hear people say 悪い悪い (warui warui), which has the same meaning. Doubling the word adds a more casual, conversational feel, like quickly saying “Sorry, sorry!” in English.

Formal Ways to Say Sorry in Japanese

Stepping on your friend’s foot is one thing, but sending the wrong email draft to your Japanese boss is another thing. In this scenario, you want to express how deeply sorry you are. Saying sorry in Japanese humble form will help intensify your apology.

Remember that when you use these phrases in a casual context, you’ll come across as sounding stiff or, worse, trying too hard. Only save these apologies for moments where you really mess up badly.

1. 申し訳ございません (moushi wake gozaimasen): What I did was inexcusable.

申し訳ございません (moushi wake gozaimasen) is perhaps the humblest and most formal way to say sorry in Japan. Literally, 申し訳 (moushiwake) means “excuse” or “reason,” and ございません is the humble, polite form of “there is not.” So, when put together, it roughly translates to “There is no excuse.”

There are other variations of moushi wake gozaimasen, depending on the level of formality you’d like to achieve. For example, ございません is the most polite form of ありません, so you can replace it when you feel like using gozaimasen feels too stiff.

申訳わけありません。
Moushi wake arimasen.

Other variations include:

大変申訳わけありませんでした.
Taihen moushi wake arimasen deshita.

申し訳ない.
Moushi wake nai.
I’m sorry!

The word moushi wake nai is the same, but it’s a slightly more casual form than using ございません or ありません. You can use it when you’re trying to make a sincere (but still friendly) apology to your friends.

Unlike gomen nasai or warui, which are more casual apologies we discussed earlier, 申し訳ございません (moushiwake gozaimasen) is reserved for the most serious situations, often used in professional or formal settings. It expresses a deep sense of remorse and responsibility.

However, using this phrase for minor inconveniences—like accidentally bumping into a friend—can feel overly formal or excessive. In those cases, a lighter apology would be more appropriate.

2. ご迷惑をかけてすみません (gomeiwaku o kakete sumimasen): I’m sorry to have caused you trouble

The Japanese word meiwaku can be built into an apology phrase in the event you have created an issue or trouble with someone. In the business context, this means in the event that you’re causing the slightest inconvenience to the other party. This phrase means, “I am deeply sorry to have caused you trouble.”

ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ございません。
Go meiwaku o okake shite moushi wake gozaimasen.
I’m sorry for the inconvenience.

The phrase above is a combination of ご迷惑 and 申し訳ございません, which further intensifies the apology. It is commonly used as a formal greeting in emails and announcements. Other variations include:

ご迷惑をかけてすみません。
Gomeiwaku o kakete sumimasen.

ご迷惑めいわくをかけてごめんなさい。
Gomeiwaku o kakete gomennasai.

3. 恐れ入ります (Osoreirimasu): I’m sorry

Similar to sumimasen, 恐れ入ります (Osoreirimasu) isn’t used as an actual apology, but as a way to excuse yourself. However, osoreirimasu is a more polite and formal way to say sumimasen.

Usually, the phrase 恐れ入ります (Osoreirimasu) is followed by another sentence, connected by が to show contrast.

恐れ入りますが、おかわりを頂けますか？
Osore irimasu ga, okawari o itadakemasuka?
Excuse me, but can I have another serving?

4. 謝罪いたします (shazai ita shimasu): I apologize

This is a formal way of apologizing. You’ll see politicians and celebrities saying this when they did something scandalous or needed to make a public apology. Sometimes, this is followed by a 90-degree bow.

5. ご面倒をお掛けして、すみません (gomendou o okakeshite, sumimasen): I’m sorry for the trouble

Similar to 迷惑, this variation of Japanese apology isn’t used when you’re actually begging for forgiveness. Instead, it’s a way to thank someone in Japanese for helping you. This is a formality when someone does something for you.

6. お詫び申し上げます (Owabi moushi agemasu): I apologize.

The word お詫び (owabi) means “I offer my deepest apologies.” This phrase is among the other things Japanese public figure says when they want to apologize to the public. Unlike 申訳わけありません (owabi moushi agemasu), お詫び申し上げます is a strictly formal form, and there’s no way to make it casual. It may even sound too stiff in conversations, so owabi moushi agemasu is mostly used in written language.

Fun fact: Owabi moushi agemasu is the chosen phrase used by Prime Minister Murayama in his infamous apology speech on behalf of Japan for their involvement in World War II.

There are alterations to change the level of humility owabi moushi agemasu. You can instead say:

お詫びいたします
Owabi ita shimasu.
I apologize.

**7. 謝罪いたします (shazai itashimasu): I apologize**

More commonly used in written form rather than speech, you should reserve this way of saying “I’m sorry” in Japanese for written statements in emails or letters to work, school or other formal recipients. It’s also quite a sincere apology.

The word shazai means ‘apology’, and itashimasu is the Japanese humble form of suru. This phrase translates to “I’m sorry for my actions.”

**8. お許しください (o yurushi kudasai): Please forgive me.**

If you’re already familiar with the Japanese language, kudasai is used to make a request. The apology using お許しください (o yurushi kudasai) literally means, Please forgive me in Japanese. Unlike casual apologies, o yurushi kudasai carries a tone of earnestness and respect, making it suitable for situations where you want to show deep remorse and hope for understanding.

This can be both a formal and informal way to say sorry. If you want to use it to apologize to a friend or peer, you would say 許してください (yurushite kudasai).

**9. 反省しております (hansei shite orimasu): I regret (what I have done)**

The word 反省 means regret, and しております is the humble form of ~ている. Hansei can also be replaced by 後悔, but both are accepted as a heartfelt way to say sorry in Japanese: by showing regret. The phrases 反省しております (hansei shite orimasu) and 後悔しております (koukai shite orimasu) are heartfelt but polite ways to say sorry in Japanese.

You can switch the しております with しています to make the phrase less formal, but it’s unlikely you’ll use it in everyday situations.

10. 勘弁してください (かんべんしてください): Please show me mercy

This one might sound funny. No one in modern-day society asks someone to show “mercy” when they did something wrong unless they’re being threatened. The word kanben (勘弁) means ‘forgiveness’ or ‘pardon’, but it’s more intense than 許して (yurushite).

However, you’ve probably heard this in anime or drama. Don’t use it for half-urgent situations, because you might sound like you’re trying too hard to apologize.

11. 合わせる顔がない (あわせるかおがない): I cannot face you

This can also be read as “I am too embarrassed to face you.”

The expression can be used interchangeably with 弁解の余地がない, but it’s mostly used when apologizing via text or email, hence the “too embarrassed to face you” meaning.

12. べんかいの余地がない (benkai no yochi ga nai): There’s no excuse

べんかいの余地がない (benkai no yochi ga nai) translates to “there’s no excuse” or “I have no excuse.” It’s a formal yet heartfelt way to apologize, often used when you want to express sincere remorse for a serious mistake.

Like many formal Japanese apologies, you should reserve this for only the most dire situations, like when you have made a major error at work or in personal relationships.

Other Variations of “I’m Sorry” in Japanese

By now, you’re probably tired of us mentioning, “This phrase is not used to actually apologize.” In fact, most of the time you hear someone apologize in Japanese is unnecessary, as they’re not making a mistake of any sort.

Granted, the Japanese culture places great importance on avoiding inconvenience. Here are a couple of other ‘apologies’ that are considered polite to use as part of social etiquette.

1. 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu): Pardon me

The phrase “ 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu)” is used in a variety of contexts, although the meaning strays from its original use. The expression literally translates to “I’m being rude.” 失礼 means rude or impolite.

You don’t say this when you are in the wrong. Shitsurei shimasu is a form of apology when you’re trying to be polite or excuse yourself. For example, when you enter a room, you will knock and say “失礼します” to apologize for the interruption. If you have to answer an important phone call during a meeting or dinner, you will excuse yourself with 失礼します.

If you do want to use this phrase to say sorry, it’s best to use it in the past tense: shitsurei shimashita.

この間は、失礼しました.
Kono aida wa, shitsurei shimashita.
I am sorry for the other day.

Say you bumped into a coworker at the office whom you’re unfamiliar with and knocked the binder right out of his arms. While helping him pick it up, you’d say これは失礼しました.

An interesting use of of失礼しました is more commonly heard in the office situation, when you’re going inside the office and when you’re leaving your workplace. When you finish your tasks early, leaving your co-workers behind, you say:

お先に失礼します。
Osaki ni shitsureishimasu!
Sorry for leaving before everyone else!

For a more in-depth explanation of the Japanese business お先に失礼します (osaki ni shitsurei shimasu), head to this article.

2. お邪魔します(Ojama shimasu): Pardon the intrusion.

お邪魔します (ojama shimasu) literally means “pardon the intrusion.” While it’s not technically an apology phrase, it carries a similar nuance of politeness and consideration. The word 邪魔 means “hindrance” or “obstacle”. お邪魔します literally means, “I am intruding”, but in many contexts, this is interpreted as “Forgive me for intruding.”

When do you use ojama shimasu? Japanese people use it when they are visiting another person’s home or office room. When you’re leaving the room, you can also use its past tense.

お邪魔しました.
Ojama shimashita.
Pardon me for intruding (before).

Another way of reading this is as “Excuse me for disturbing you” or “Sorry for interrupting you.” It can also be used when calling someone on the phone.

Saying Sorry in Japanese for Specific Scenarios

Now that you’ve learned the different ways to say sorry in Japanese and when to use each phrase, let’s explore how to apply them in real-life situations

1. When you want to say thank you in Japanese

In Japanese, it’s quite common to use apology phrases like すみません (sumimasen) or 申し訳ありません (moushiwake arimasen) to express gratitude, especially when someone has gone out of their way to help you or caused some inconvenience on your behalf.

This usage might seem confusing at first because these phrases literally mean “I’m sorry,” but culturally, they also carry a sense of “thank you for the trouble” or “thank you for your effort.”

2. When you want to say “I’m sorry for your loss”

Though it’s not exactly an apology, expressing sympathy for someone’s loss is an important part of Japanese communication, just as it is anywhere else.

To offer condolences, a common phrase is ご愁傷様です (goshuushou-sama desu), which literally means “I’m sorry for your loss.” It’s a respectful and appropriate expression for many situations.

To further convey sincerity, you might add 心からお悔やみ申し上げます (Kokoro kara o-kuyami mōshiagemasu), which means “please accept my sincerest condolences.”

3. When you want to decline an offer

Another common reason to say sorry in Japan is when you’re offered something or invited somewhere but need to decline. Since it’s very polite to make an offer or invitation, simply saying “no” without any apology can come across as rude or inconsiderate.

Another situation where you might apologize is when you’re offered food but don’t want to eat it. Food and hospitality hold special meaning in Japan, so declining can feel delicate. In these cases, you can say すみません.

How to properly say sorry in Japanese: Manners and gestures

In Japan, apologizing goes far beyond just saying the words. You’ve probably seen politicians or public figures issue a formal apology speech and then finish with a deep, 90-degree bow. This gesture, known as ojigi (お辞儀), is a crucial part of expressing sincere regret in Japanese culture.

A light mistake may only require a simple nod of the head or a slight bow of about 15 degrees. However, for serious offenses — like causing a major loss to your company — a formal deep bow is expected. These bows can range from 30 to 90 degrees, with the depth reflecting how grave the situation is.
There is also an extreme form of apology called dogeza (土下座), where you kneel and bow deeply to the ground, showing the utmost humility. This gesture is rarely used in daily life today and is mostly seen in manga, anime, or historical contexts.

You may notice public figures and everyday people apologizing repeatedly. While not a strict rule, this repetition emphasizes sincerity and humility. Saying sorry multiple times helps show that the person truly acknowledges their mistake and regrets any inconvenience caused.

Conclusion: Master apologizing in Japanese

Alright! This guide is longer than we expected, but we just want to make sure we have everything covered. Now that you know the basics of apologizing in Japanese, make sure you’re ready for the appropriate response the next time you do something wrong — or right.

There’s a lot more to the list on how to say “I’m sorry” in Japanese. Like Japanese culture, we’re just scraping the surface. Learning the Japanese language that you can actually use in real life can be tricky. If you want to learn more, why not join Japanese lessons in Tokyo, or practice with an online Japanese tutor with Coto Academy?

If you are interested in learning with us, contact us here or fill out the application form.

FAQ

How do you say “I’m sorry” in Japanese?

You can say ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) to apologize sincerely.

What is sumimasen in Japanese?

すみません (sumimasen) means “I’m sorry,” “excuse me,” or “thank you” depending on context.

What is shitsurei shimasu in Japanese?

失礼します (shitsurei shimasu) means “excuse me” or “sorry for the interruption,” often used when entering or leaving a room.

What is moushiwake arimasen in Japanese?

申し訳ありません (moushiwake arimasen) is a very formal way to say “I’m truly sorry” or “I have no excuse.”

Japanese is considered to be one of the hardest languages to learn in the world. Studies have shown that on average, it takes about 2,200 classroom hours to learn Japanese on a proficient level, which is equivalent to 88 consecutive weeks. That being said, it remains one of the most fascinating and beautiful languages to learn as well.

So, if you have ever caught yourself thinking, “Why is Japanese so hard to learn?” you are not alone. This article breaks down the main reasons why the Japanese language may feel difficult and shares encouragement as well as practical tips to help you power through. Whether you are just starting or stuck mid-way, here is what makes Japanese so tough — but why it is still absolutely worth learning.

Is Japanese really a hard language to learn?

Yes, Japanese is considered a hard language to learn, but only if your native language is vastly different from Japanese. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI), which focuses on teaching languages and cultures to US diplomats and government officials, has a system that ranks languages based on how difficult they are to learn. FSI classified Japanese as a “Super-hard language.”

But you should take this with a grain of salt: FSI ranks languages based on how long native English speakers learn them. If you speak languages like Spanish, French, and Italian, among others that are in the same language family as English, the study hours are probably close to that.

This has numerous reasons, one of the biggest ones being that English and Japanese have very few words with a common etymological origin.

On the other hand, those who speak Chinese or Korean, or languages that come from similar roots to Japanese, can learn Japanese more quickly.

This is not to be mistaken that the Chinese and Korean languages originate from Japan. In fact, it’s Japanese and Korean that borrow words from the Chinese language. 50% of Japanese words come from Chinese.

Let’s compare “university” in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

Japanese	Chinese	Korean
大学 Daigaku	大学 Dàxué	대학교 daehaggyo

The Japanese, Chinese, and Korean words for university are not exactly the same, but there is a close phonetic resemblance between the three words. For reference, it takes 3,900 hours to study JLPT N1 without kanji knowledge. For students with kanji knowledge, it takes 2,150 hours of JLPT study to pass — almost half the time!

Reasons why learning Japanese is hard

1. Complex writing systems

The Japanese language is made up of 3 different writing systems. The hiragana, katakana, and kanji system all have their own characters and complexities, but are very necessary when learning the language.

Hiragana

Hiragana is usually the first writing system that you will encounter on your learning journey. In this system, the symbols represent whole syllables rather than individual sounds or words. In Japanese, words are made up of a combination of syllables, thus taking away the need for singular letter symbols. This system is the most traditional and dates back to the 9^th century.

Katakana

Katakana is very similar to hiragana when it comes to word formation. Once again, the symbols are meant to represent syllables; this system was mainly adopted in order to introduce syllables and sounds that were not originally part of the Japanese language. Most of the Katana symbols are inspired by those of the Hiragana system, making it easier to decipher.

Kanji

Kanji is usually the last system taught throughout the learning curve of the language, as it is the one with the most complexity. The symbols used were originally Chinese characters and made up the first writing system in Japan. Both hiragana and katakana are evolutions of this writing system. Rather than representing syllables and sounds, these symbols are meant to represent complete words or ideas on their own, meaning that there are approximately 50,000 kanji symbols to learn before fully mastering this system.

2. Grammar Differences from English

Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) Order

One of the first things English speakers notice while learning Japanese is the change in sentence structure. While the English language typically follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order — for example, “I eat sushi” — the Japanese language uses a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) pattern.

So, the same sentence we previously saw in English becomes: Watashi wa sushi o tabemasu, meaning “I sushi eat” in Japanese. This reversal often surprises learners and requires a shift in thinking. Adjusting to this word order takes time, but it is a fundamental part of mastering Japanese grammar.

English Word Order	Japanese Word Order
Subject + Verb + Object	Subject + Object + Verb

Let’s try to translate a Japanese sentence literally, based on its word order.

Subject	Subject Particle	Location	Location particle	Object	Object Particle	Verb
田中さん	は	喫茶店	で	コーヒー	を	飲んでいます。
Tanaka-san	wa	kissaten	de	koohii	o	nondeimasu
Tanaka		cafe	at	coffee		is drinking

Confusing, right? With time, you’ll get used to the sentence structure, but you might need time to adjust to it when translating whatever Japanese sentence you hear or see into your native language.

The Japanese language often omits the subject in a sentence if it is already clear from the context, which can lead to ambiguity and confusion for English speakers who are used to always including a subject.

私は公園へ行きます。
Watashi wa kouen e ikimasu.
I am going to the park.

Imagine that you are leaving the house, and your mom asks you where you are going. In this case, it’s obvious that your answer indicates yourself, and no one else. A correct sentence often does not require a subject in Japanese, since the subject is usually implied in the context of the conversation.

園へ行きます
kouen e ikimasu.
(I am) going to the park!

Japanese particles

In Japanese, small words called particles play a huge role in showing how each part of a sentence functions. These particles indicate the subject, object, direction, or even topic of a sentence. Because they carry so much meaning in such a small form, even tiny mistakes with particles can lead to big misunderstandings. Learning to use them correctly is a crucial step in becoming comfortable with Japanese.

Examples:

Wa: indicates the topic of a sentence
Ga: marks the subject of the sentence
Ni: indicates a point in time or direction
De: indicates the location of an action
Wo: marks the direct object of a verb

Verb conjugations and politeness

Japanese verbs change not only based on tense but also depending on the level of formality. There are multiple ways to say the same action depending on whether you are speaking casually with friends, politely to a stranger, or respectfully to someone of higher status. This can feel overwhelming at first, but it is all part of Japan’s nuanced communication style. A helpful tip for beginners is to start with the masu-form, which is the standard polite form, and gradually expand to casual or honorific forms later.

3. Politeness Levels and honorific language

why is japanese a hard language to learn?

Japanese is deeply rooted in social hierarchy, and the way you speak changes drastically depending on who you are talking to. This aspect of the language, also known as keigo (honorific speech), is divided into three main categories: teineigo (polite speech), sonkeigo (respectful speech), and kenjougo (humble speech). These are not just vocabulary swaps; they involve changes in verb conjugation, word choice, and even tone. Navigating these levels of formality is essential for effective and respectful communication in Japanese society.

Quick Tip: Do not feel pressured to master all forms of keigo at once. Focus first on polite speech (teineigo), and then gradually learn the reasoning behind honorific and humble expressions.

Read more about Japanese honorifics here.

4. Different pronunciation and pitch accents

At first glance, Japanese pronunciation seems relatively straightforward since there are fewer sounds compared to many other languages, and most syllables stay consistent. But the real challenge lies in pitch accent. Unlike English, which relies mostly on word stress, Japanese uses pitch to differentiate words that otherwise would sound identical.

For example, hashi can mean “bridge” (橋) with a high-low pitch pattern or “chopsticks” (箸) with a low-high pitch. These subtle differences are not always highlighted in textbooks but can lead to confusion if they are not understood.

Quick Tip: The best way to internalize pitch accent is simply by listening to native speakers and shadowing real conversations.

5. Cultural context embedded in language

Language and culture are closely intertwined, and this is especially true in the Japanese language. Directness is often avoided; people rarely say “no” outright. Instead, soft refusals such as “chotto…” (meaning “a little…”) are used to politely decline in Japanese while avoiding all confrontation. Japanese also relies heavily on context, so what is left unsaid can be just as important as what is spoken. This means learning Japanese is not just about memorizing vocabulary or grammar rules, but also about understanding the social cues and unspoken norms that guide communication skills in Japanese.

Quick Tip: To get a feel for these small changes, it can be really helpful to immerse yourself in Japanese media. For example, watching TV shows, anime, or dramas with subtitles helps you pick up on tone, timing, as well as the cultural nuances behind everyday language.

6. Learning and practice challenges

1. You cannot “Cram” Japanese

Unlike some fields that respond well to last-minute studying, Japanese is not one you can cram. Mastery in this skill comes from consistent, steady effort over time. This is especially true for memorizing kanji symbols and vocabulary, as they require daily review to truly stick.

Speaking practice with native speakers is just as important, not only for fluency, but for building confidence and a natural rhythm. Keep in mind that setbacks are to be expected; they are a normal part of learning this language. The key is patience and persistence. Progress may feel slower at times, but with regular practice, it can build up in really powerful ways.

2. Not Enough Immersion

Unless you live in Japan or attend an immersive school such as Coto Academy, finding chances to practice Japanese in real-world situations can be really tough. Classroom Japanese often focuses on polite, structured language rather than real-life speech, which is full of slang, casual phrasing, and nuances. What may sound natural in a textbook might come off as overly formal in a regular conversation.

Reading also presents its own unique challenges. For example, Japanese does not use spaces between words, which makes it tricky to separate and understand phrases at a glance. And then there are also loanwords that are borrowed from English but used in ways that can be confusing.

Quick Tip: To bridge the gap between the textbook and natural Japanese, it is helpful to immerse yourself in level-appropriate content such as NHK News Easy, manga, or graded readers. And in order to keep your speaking skills sharp, you can try online conversation lessons or join a Japanese-speaking community.

Ready to overcome the challenges of learning Japanese?

Join Coto Academy today and turn your Japanese learning challenges into achievements! At Coto Academy, we understand that Japanese can be tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes an exciting and rewarding journey. Our experienced teachers provide personalized lessons tailored to your level and goals, helping you master everything from kanji to conversation, honorifics to pitch accent.

Fill out the form below for a free Japanese level check and consultation!

FAQ

Why is Japanese considered the hardest language to learn?

Japanese is considered to be the hardest language because it involves complex writing systems, grammar vastly different from English, and cultural nuance that you cannot find in many other languages.

How long does it take to learn Japanese fluently?

According to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute, around 2,200 hours of study are needed to reach working fluency.

Is Japanese harder than Chinese or Korean?

While each language has unique challenges, Japanese is often seen as harder than Korean for its kanji and honorifics, but easier than Chinese in pronunciation.

What’s the hardest part of learning Japanese?

Most learners struggle with kanji and understanding when to use polite vs. casual speech.

Can I learn Japanese without living in Japan?

Yes, of course! Online classes, language partners, and immersion tools (such as those from Coto Academy) make it very possible to learn from anywhere.

English teaching in Japan is one of the most common jobs for foreigners, but other career fields and roles surprisingly don’t require a high level of Japanese. That said, you do need some level of basic-to-intermediate speaking skills to live comfortably in Japan.

While many jobs in Japan require fluency in Japanese, there are still plenty of opportunities available for non-Japanese speakers. Thanks to Japan’s increasing globalization and demand for international talent, you can now find jobs in industries like tech, hospitality, design, and more where little to no Japanese is required. In this article, we’ll explore 11 jobs you can land in Japan without needing Japanese fluency, and what you’ll need to get started.

Want to fast-track your career in Japan? Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course is designed to help you master keigo (business Japanese) and improve workplace communication skills. Gain the confidence to speak professionally with colleagues and clients and open up new career opportunities!

Join 3-month Business Course

Can I Really Work in Japan Without Knowing Any Japanese?

The short answer is yes, you can get a job without needing Japanese, and that job doesn’t have to be an English teacher.

You might have more limited options, and your opportunities depend largely on your skills and the current job market trend. The IT industry, for example, is one of the largest industries in the Japanese economy. The Japan Times estimated that the country would face a shortage of 600,000 IT-related professionals by 2030. A lot of companies are eager to hire foreign IT workers as a solution. If you have a background or knowledge in tech, recruiters in top companies are willing to hire you from overseas and sponsor your stay in Japan, even if you don’t necessarily have a high level of Japanese language skills.

It’s relatively easy to get accepted as an English teacher, ALT, and eikaiwa teacher if you come from an English-speaking country. There are plenty of opportunities in a lot of industries, even if you only speak English. In fact, a lot of foreigners, who’ve lived here for more than 10 years, can’t speak Japanese.

There’s a catch, though: you’re closing a lot of doors if you don’t bother to learn at least conversational-level Japanese. Live here long enough, and eventually, you will realize that you can miss out on getting promotions and attractive job offers.

Even a decent conversational level or the ability to speak Japanese confidently (which is the focus of Coto Academy), can widen your job opportunities. Even if that job doesn’t require Japanese, showing that you are learning will give you a good impression and open more career opportunities.

English-speaking Jobs in Japan With No Japanese Required

We’ll be covering jobs that fall under the Engineer/Humanities visa, or the 技術/人文知識/国際業務 (gijutsu/jinbun-chishiki/kokusai-gyoumu). Most professional jobs fall under this category because they include fields like human resources, accounting, tech, marketing, and sales.

What we won’t cover are the jobs under the Specified Skills Visa, or 特定技能ビザ (tokutei ginou bisa). The type of jobs you do on this type of visa are work-related tasks, like construction, automobile maintenance, food service, hospitality, and nursing care. We won’t be recommending blue-collar and part-time jobs.

1. Recruiter and Consultant Job in Japan

A career at an international consulting firm in Japan is attractive to foreigners for a few reasons. Generally, even if you are a fresh graduate, you will still receive a higher base salary.

It’s also one of the most popular options for foreigners who want to change their careers. This is because it’s possible to become a recruiter without any prior experience or relevant background. You don’t need a relevant degree like human resources, psychology, or communication, although that’s always a plus point. Instead, hiring managers and recruiting companies decide on the right candidate based on their soft skills: negotiation, strong communication, confidence, and critical thinking.

Most of all, you don’t need Japanese language ability to be a recruiter. Most of your clients will be bilingual, and most of the consulting firm’s databases are managed in English. In fact, you should be able to speak it well, because negotiations are done in English.

The life of a consultant is coveted and competitive. Rather than HR, think of recruiters as a sales job. To be a top biller, you need to be able to thrive under pressure and in a fast-paced environment. But it’s extremely rewarding, too.

The annual starting salary is typically 3.6 million JPY, but the number can go up depending on the size and contract of your company. Keep in mind that this doesn’t include your bonuses yet. If you perform well, you can easily double and triple your income.

Top consulting firms in Japan are Robert Walters, Michael Page and Hays, but you will also find mid to smaller-sized recruitment companies.

You can also be an internal recruiter for global and international companies, so always check the “Careers” page of your dream company. There might be an open position for talent acquisition specialists in Japan.

2. Creative and Marketing Roles in Japan

With Japan’s growth as both a travel destination and an economic hub, many companies are now turning their attention to previously untapped markets: global and non-Japanese audiences. Some are expanding their brand presence overseas, while others are adapting their services for foreigners living in Japan, creating demand for skilled professionals who can localize and market effectively in either (or even both!) directions.

As a result, depending on the company, you might see a demand for international talent that can focus on global outreach. Marketing and advertising agencies in Japan like Humble Bunny, which is an expert in helping companies localize for the Japanese market, actively seek bilingual or English-speaking marketers or project managers to help bridge cultural and communication gaps.

3. Real Estate Jobs in Japan

To buy a house, invest in a property, or hunt for an apartment, you have to deal with real estate agents and go through rigorous procedures — all in Japanese. In 2020, the country recorded 2.89 million foreigners living here, so there was high demand for English-speaking housing agents.

Now, a lot of real estate companies provide multilingual support, including English. Some of them exclusively specialize in handling foreign clients.

There was a high demand for English-speaking housing agents in Japan. In 2020, the country recorded 2.89 million foreigners living here, and a big chunk of them have trouble going to the typical Japanese real estate company. With travel restrictions and borders easing, we can expect a surge of newcomers and returning international residents.

Now, you can find real estate agencies that specialize in finding an apartment for foreigners, which is where you can come in. Usually, experience in real estate brokerage transactions is preferred, but a lot of companies welcome candidates with relevant experience.

Another attractive feature is the commission system, too. Top salespeople can earn up to 20 million JPY as compensation.

4. English Teaching Jobs in Japan

The first thing that comes to mind when you put “English” and “jobs in Japan” together is “English teacher”. In order to teach English in Japan, you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree, but it doesn’t have to be relevant to education. Teaching certifications, like the TEFL, are preferred but generally not required.

You can’t group all English teachers the same.

1. ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)

More than half of the English teachers in Japan are ALTs. As an ALT, you’re not in charge of teaching the whole class. Rather, you’re working with the Japanese teacher at the school you’re assigned to. Your role is to become the language instructor and “cultural ambassador”.

You don’t need any educational license, master’s degree or relevant education degree to be an ALT.

2. Eikaiwa Teacher

Eikaiwa is an English conversation school, and the students can either be children or adults. The word “Eikaiwa” stems from 英 or “Ei” (English) and 会話 or “Kaiwa” (Conversation). Giant Eikaiwa companies include NOVA, ECC, AEON, Berlitz or Peppy Kids Club.

3. Private school or university teacher

Salaries for ALT and Eikawa teachers are decent, but not the best. In terms of a career within the education industry in Japan, becoming a full-time teacher at a private school or university is your best bet to nail a higher salary and better career progression.

There are over 700 universities in Japan, and some of them have an English learning program. Schools will often require you to have at least a master’s degree in education, alongside TEFL or TESOL, and even prior teaching experience.

Other than the above, you can become an English teacher for adults or for kindergartens.

Here are some popular job sites to search for English:

5. IT and Tech Engineer Jobs in Japan

There’s no denying that Japan is facing an IT shortage, so having a background in IT can seriously make you a sought-after candidate. You can find more than 100 programming jobs on job platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor alone, and it’s easy to see why. Japan’s IT industry takes about 3% of the world market, and all companies, regardless if they’re traditional Japanese or international, need web designers, developers, and IT professionals.

Because of this lopsided supply-demand IT job market situation, requirements for the Japanese language are relatively low, sometimes none at all. Startup and unicorn companies like Mercari and Zehitomo hire tech engineers from overseas. Japanese technology group NEC partnered with Persol Career and has provided an app that matches companies in Japan with Indian tech engineers.

Tokyo Dev, one of the leading IT job sites in Japan, did a survey of more than 435 software engineers living in Japan. The average salary is 8.5 million yen per year, which is almost half more than what the average worker in Japan makes (6.2 million yen).

Out of all of them, only a third can speak Japanese fluently, and 80% of these employees use English as the primary language to communicate with their coworkers.

Note that even though there is a big pool of vacant engineering and tech positions, the roles are still coveted. You will need to be adept in JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and Python (all common coding languages), but some corporations may use TypeScript, C++, and SQL.

Here are some popular job sites that are specifically for IT and tech-related roles in Japan:

We’ve created a separate article dedicated to listing the best IT job sites in Japan .

6. Hospitality Jobs in Japan

In 2019 (pre-COVID), Japan recorded 8 million overseas travelers. Urban centers like Tokyo and famous holiday destinations are generally more foreign-friendly. Besides English-speaking Japanese staff, some hotels will have native customer support employees: front desk agents, chefs, PR staff, and general managers. If you can bring relevant experience and background to the table, check out the job listings on Career Cross and Daijob.

Another great way to look for job vacancies is by exploring the career section of each company’s website. Global hotel chains will also do internal transfers or approach prospective candidates themselves.

7. Customer Service Positions in Japan

Responsibilities of a customer service staff include resolving customer queries, recommending solutions, and guiding service users through features and functionalities. To be successful in this role, you should be an excellent communicator. Generally, Japan-based companies favor bilingual customer service, but if you’re a mid-career professional, there are open positions that require little Japanese: supervisors, site directors, managers.

If a company deals with a large volume of foreign customers, it may hire. You can find customer service job advertisements in Japan in recruitment agencies like Michael Page, Hays, and Robert Walters.

Check out some of the more popular bilingual recruitment agencies in Japan.

8. Graphic, Product, or Creative Designer Career in Japan

Designers are also in high-demand jobs in Japan at the moment. Whether it’sa UI/UX specialist, a graphic designer, or a product designer, your main selling point will be your hard skills and portfolio. General requirements include knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator, but some companies may require advanced skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (depending on the position). You can find more job listings on Google.

9. Study Abroad Staff in Japan

Currently, Japan is restricting the number of foreign students who can enter from their home countries (subject to change). The industry might be in a lull right now, but things are starting to pick back up.

Usually, you can go and live in Japan as a student in two ways: independent application, where you find a university and apply directly, or through an agent. Companies like Coto School Finder help foreign students apply for a school in a Japanese language school and a student visa. Besides that, they provide additional support, like helping you find an apartment or share a house.

Because they are dealing with international students, these agencies are not just looking for English-speaking staff, but native Korean, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Italian student coordinators, too.

Universities in Japan with an English track program — or at least those that deal with a large volume of foreign students — will also hire foreigners to manage their students.

Where to Find Jobs in Japan that Don’t Require Japanese

The best chance to get a career in Japan that doesn’t require high Japanese skills is through browsing job posting sites and hiring platforms like LinkedIn, GlassDoor, Jobs in Japan, Career Cross, and GaijinPot Jobs. Check out some of the best foreigner-friendly job hunting sites in Japan for more options.

Besides that, we recommend that you do your own research. Find out about the industry and look for companies that you might like. Visit their website. Most companies have a designated Careers page (“Work with Us”, “Careers”).

If you have more years of experience in your pocket working in a niche industry (like healthcare, automotive, or infrastructure), approach a recruiter. They deal with highly specialized positions that are often mid-career or even at C-levels, so you have a better chance of being matched with a potential job in a top company that is willing to negotiate your terms and salary.

Want to Boost Your Career in Japan? Take Japanese Lessons at Coto Academy

While there are jobs in Japan besides English teaching, your options might still be limited. The best way to boost your career prospects in Japan is by improving your Japanese skills!

Why not take Japanese lessons at Coto Academy and open more doors for your career? With locations in Shibuya, Yokohama, and online, our classes are designed to fit the busy schedules of working professionals. Discover how we can help you achieve your Japanese language goals. If you’re unsure where to start, we offer a free Japanese level check to guide you on the right path.

FAQ

Can I get a job in Japan if I don’t speak Japanese?

Yes, it’s possible to find jobs in Japan that don’t require Japanese, especially in industries like IT, design, hospitality, and international sales. However, your options may be more limited compared to fluent speakers, and most of these roles are in global companies or startups.

What kind of jobs in Japan don’t require Japanese?

Jobs in tech (like software engineering, UI/UX design), translation/localization (for your native language), content creation, digital marketing, international customer support, and even certain hospitality roles at international hotels may not require Japanese.

Do I need a visa to work in Japan without speaking Japanese?

Yes, you’ll still need a valid work visa. Most companies that hire non-Japanese speakers will sponsor your visa if you meet the job and education requirements. Common visa types include the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.

How can I find jobs in Japan that don’t require Japanese?

You can check job boards like Japan Dev, GaijinPot Jobs, Jobs in Japan, and LinkedIn. Filtering for “No Japanese Required” or “English-only” will help narrow down your search.

Where can I study Business Japanese?

You can study Business Japanese with Coto Academy. Coto offers flexible Business Japanese courses designed for working professionals, covering everything from keigo (honorific language) to real-world business situations like meetings, emails, and presentations.

Want to work in Japan? You might like related content like:

If you are a mid-career professional or higher seeking new opportunities in Japan, bilingual recruitment services can be a valuable resource.

Recruitment agencies in Japan are external firms hired by employers to find the right candidates for their job vacancies. Oftentimes, companies use recruitment agencies rather than internal hiring because it saves them time, resources, and even money. This is because recruitment consultants can filter the right job seekers for specific positions, have a broader network of prospective candidates (meaning they already have a decent database of talent), and are more familiar with the job market and industry trends.

Recruitment consultants handle all of the paperwork and other formalities, and liaise with your new employer to make sure everything is in place for your first day and beyond. They can even negotiate your salary for you and make sure you get the best package out there. Consultants are paid by the employers and receive their fee based on whether they’ve successfully started in a role. This means that, as the prospective candidate, you shouldn’t pay for their services.

But which recruiters are the best in Japan right now? Check out these top bilingual recruitment agencies!

Want to fast-track your career in Japan? Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course is designed to help you master keigo (business Japanese) and improve workplace communication skills. Gain the confidence to speak professionally with colleagues and clients, navigate meetings, and open up new career opportunities!

Join 3-month Business Japanese Course

What is a Bilingual Recruitment Agency?

Bilingual recruitment in Japan refers to hiring professionals who are fluent in both Japanese and another language, typically English, to work in roles that require cross-cultural communication or global business operations.

As more Japanese companies expand globally, and more foreign companies enter the Japanese market, there’s a growing need for professionals who can bridge language and cultural gaps, especially in industries like IT, finance, consulting, and customer support.

Most bilingual roles require business-level Japanese (N2 or N1 on the JLPT) and fluent English. Some positions may accept conversational Japanese (N3) if English is the primary working language.

Why Use a Recruitment Agency in Japan?

Recruitment consultants, especially those based in Tokyo (or big cities in Japan like Osaka), usually possess extensive knowledge of the local market. They’re highly skilled in filtering and sourcing candidates. They will usually collaborate with job seekers to ensure that you are completely well-advised as you move forward in your career.

They will take the time to understand your background, needs, goals, and preferences to match you with the right opportunity. Most of the time, they will guide you through every step of the screening process, too.

In other words, even though they mostly work on behalf of their clients, they can act as your personal career advisor — something you might need when you are making one of the most important decisions in your life.

A thing to keep in mind is that these vacant jobs are less likely to be entry-level and generic, as recruiters are paid to source hard-to-fill jobs. With that said, if you’d like some help in your job search, you can reach out to recruiters to see if they can match you with a job. Most — if not all — of these recruitment firms in Japan use English as their primary language, which makes it even more convenient for English-speaking job seekers to ask for advice and consultations for the right career moves.

Looking for a job hunting site? Check out: 10 Trusted Job Hunting Websites in Japan

1. Robert Walters

*Image courtesy of Robert Walters Japan.*

Robert Walters is one of the bigger bilingual recruitment agencies in Japan, with offices in Tokyo and Osaka. They specialize in recruitment for permanent, contract, and interim roles across all professional disciplines, including IT, marketing, sales, healthcare, supply chain management, and legal. Robert Walters Japan particularly focuses on permanent and contract recruitment solutions. They work with international clients, ranging from multi-national corporations and Fortune 500s to SMEs and start-ups.

Their teams are divided based on specialized fields to find candidates who are not typically found in the job market. We work with a diverse range of clients around the world.

Website: www.robertwalters.co.jp/en/

2. Michael Page

Image courtesy of Michael Page.

Michael Page specializes in the recruitment of mid to senior positions for top employers. Their Japan office is divided into three specialized disciplines: recruitment for multinational corporations (gaishi), Japanese corporations (nikkei), and temporary or contract employment. They employ industry specialists who can give you sage advice in your job search and help you find the perfect fit. If you’re an executive or looking for a job higher up on the corporate ladder, then their page PageExecutive might be more your speed. They, too, have extensive resources for improving your job search.

Website: www.michaelpage.co.jp/en

3. Robert Half

Image courtesy of Robert Half.

Robert Half pioneered specialized recruitment services and provides recruitment solutions for businesses and finance, accounting, financial services, technology, and administrative professionals. Having adapted to the new teleworking trend, they have dedicated some of their operations to assisting job seekers and candidates in finding remote work.

Website: www.roberthalf.jp/en

4. Hays

Image courtesy of Hays.

With over 20 years in Japan and 50 years worldwide, Hays is a reliable and established recruitment consultancy in Japan. This recruitment agency offers “an unrivaled suite of recruitment and workplace solutions”. They have the knowledge and expertise to help you take the next step in your career. They also provide a great number of resources for improving your job interviews in Japan, CVs, and progressing your career.

Website: www.hays.co.jp/en/home

5. Specialized Group

Unlike the other recruitment firms we mentioned, which have branches outside Japan, Specialized Group is a mid-sized recruitment agency based only in Tokyo. They focus on executive search for international businesses in Japan. Their consultants are well-trained and experienced and have good connections with lots of Japanese companies. As a Japanese company themselves, they can provide unique insight into the working culture in Japan.

They cover comprehensive industries, ranging from infrastructure and robots to consumer goods and real estate. Their biggest discipline, however, is in positions related to tech and IT.

Website: www.specialized-group.com/en

6. RGF Professional Recruitment

RGF Professional Recruitment Japan is part of the bilingual recruitment Recruit Group, Asia’s largest recruiting and information service company. They partner with both multinational companies and domestic businesses to provide market-leading bilingual talent for specialist and managerial positions.

The company covers all business sectors, with management teams specializing in various industries. Bilingual professionals in Japan looking to further grow their careers are free to seek advice (and open positions) from their experienced consultants. They’ll want to take the time to understand your background, needs, and goals to accurately match you with the right opportunity.

Website: www.rgf-professional.jp/en/

7. Build+ (Previously Wahl+Case)

Build++Rebrand+Blog+Social+Image — *Image courtesy of Build+*

Previously operating as Wahl+Case, the recruitment company was acquired by SHIFT in May 2023 and rebranded itself as Build+. Build+ is different from most of the other agencies, as they specialize in the tech industry. Because of their decision to focus on one industry, Build+ is much better at guiding you through the tech world. They work with a lot of recognizable brands like Netflix and Spotify, and a lot of startups.

Their consultants are very knowledgeable and experienced in the tech industry and are sure to provide you with some valuable insights. They also offer resources that are very relevant to tech positions.

Website: buildplus.io/

Want more tech-related jobs? Check out: Best IT Job Sites in Japan

8. Cornerstone Recruitment Japan

Although a new recruitment company in Japan (they were established in 2019), Cornerstone Japan has been growing its network of Tokyo-based clients and candidates. Their consultants are experienced in giving both sides access to guidance and expertise on the Tokyo job market.

Cornerstone Recruitment Japan focuses on placing bilingual, mid-career professionals across all sectors. Their retained service is particularly successful for clients with high-profile or critical hiring needs or niche searches.

Website: www.cornerstone.jp/

9. Morgan McKinley

Morgan McKinley is a very reliable and recognized recruitment agency. They’re a very trusted brand that has provided quality service to both companies and job hunters. They are much more dedicated to providing the human element to their process and will discuss with you both your career plans and goals, as well as provide honest feedback to help you accomplish them. They cover a large number of industries and provide more resources than anywhere else on this list, including top interview questions and salary reviews.

Website: www.morganmckinley.com/jp

10. JAC

Another major recruitment firm in Japan, JAC Recruitment, primarily focuses on domestic recruitment for Japanese candidates but has expanded significantly over the years. Their JAC International division specializes in search and placement services tailored to professional careers in multinational companies. Additionally, they offer placement services outside Japan, such as global talent sourcing and overseas job opportunities for bilingual professionals.

Website: www.jac-international.jp

Open more doors in Japan by learning Japanese at Coto Academy!

The best way to find a job in Japan is to open up more opportunities, and learning Japanese is key. Improve your chances by mastering Business Japanese at Coto Academy, where we help you confidently navigate the workplace and unlock new career doors.

Get a free level check and course consultation by filling out the contact form below!

Want to work in Japan? Check out our work-related series:

FAQ

Do bilingual recruitment agencies charge job seekers?

No. In Japan, recruitment services are free for job seekers. Agencies are paid by the hiring company after a successful placement.

How can I increase my chances of getting hired in Japan?

Improve your Japanese language skills, tailor your resume and cover letter for the Japanese market, and work with a reputable bilingual recruitment agency that understands your background and goals.

What are the best industries for bilingual professionals in Japan?

Top industries include tech, finance, e-commerce, tourism, education, and global consulting, where both Japanese and English communication are essential.

What are the top billingual recruitment agencies in Japan?

Coto Work is a top bilingual recruitment agency in Japan that helps Japanese-English speakers find jobs in engineering, logistics, and business roles, alongside other leading firms like RGF, JAC International, and Morgan McKinley.

Should I use recruitment service in Japan?

If you’re a mid-career professional or bilingual, using a recruitment service in Japan can significantly boost your job search by connecting you with opportunities that match your skills and language abilities.

Is recruitment service in Japan free?

If you’re a candidate, remember that you should never pay a recruiter. Professional recruitment services in Japan charge the employer for successful placements, not the job seeker.

Now that you have landed a job interview in Japan, you must be wondering what manners you need to know. Understandably, you might be nervous since interviews are when you need to put your best foot forward. So, how should you present yourself in front of your potential employers?

As you may know, Japan places a high value on manners, humility, and understanding of social cues. Just like showcasing your abilities, your impressions of your employers are just as essential. In order to ensure you’re prepared, we have broken down everything you need to know about job interview manners and etiquette in Japan.

Want to boost your career in Japan? Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course is designed to help you master keigo (business Japanese) and improve workplace communication skills. Gain the confidence to speak with clients, navigate meetings, and open up new career opportunities!

Join 3-month Business Japanese Course

How are Japanese job interviews different from other countries?

a woman being interviewed by 2 japanese people

A Japanese job interview is more formal and structured than in many other countries, emphasizing etiquette, group harmony, long-term commitment, and humility over individual assertiveness or achievements.

Throughout this article, you will probably pick up on many similarities and differences between Japanese interviews and those in your home country. Like everywhere else, in an interview, you want to present the best of who you are and what you can bring. So, that means being respectful, listening well, and giving your interviewers a great impression.

However, in Japan, the etiquette for job interviews might reflect how Japan’s work culture is different from the West overall. Unlike in countries like the U.S., Japanese interviews have strict etiquette rules, such as knocking exactly three times and using specific phrases when entering, sitting, and leaving. So, to give the best impression, understanding proper etiquette will be essential, such as when to bow, what to say at what time, and even how to enter interview rooms.

What to prepare before your Japanese job interview

Japanese job etiquette starts with preparation, from how to dress and what to bring. Even if the job doesn’t require any Japanese, if you’re interviewing with a Japanese company, you may still need to know Japanese interview manners.

Dressing for your interview in Japan

The dress code for interviews in Japan will depend on the role type, company, and seniority. Sometimes interviewers will explicitly say you can dress casually for the interview. Also tech start-ups tend to boast more causal atmospheres, so a suit won’t hurt but you might be overdressed!

When a dress code is not specified or if you are unsure, as a general rule of thumb, you should always dress formally. That generally means a full suit and dress shirt or blouse. Colors should be muted and not too loud as the formal dress code in Japan should be uniform and not stand out. Below, we go into further detail about the dress code between men and women:

dress code etiquette for interviews in japan

For men, the general dress code is a full suit with darker colors and a dress shirt.

Suit jacket and pants with black, blue, or darker colors to be safe. Japanese culture, especially in work, should be about how you fit into the workplace. So wearing colors to stand out is not ideal.
A nice tie that is also preferably dark and matches your suit. Your tie should also not stand out either, so you may want to opt out of ties with bright colors.
White or light-colored button-up shirt, shirt should be rather neutral and contrast with the darker colors of your jacket.
Black or brown shoes, and leather shoes are the most common but non-leather formal shoes are also acceptable.

For women, a full suit with either pants or a nice skirt is considered acceptable

Suit Jacket with black, blue, or darker colors. As mentioned earlier, Japanese culture is more about fitting in, especially in a formal setting. So, avoid wearing colors that stand out.

Light-colored blouse or button-up shirt that won’t contrast with your jacket and pants or skirt.
Darker-colored skirts or pants. The color should be the same as your jacket.
Darker colored heels under 5 cm, you don’t want to wear heels that are too high since they generally stand out.
Simple and natural make-up is considered professional in Japan.

What to bring to your Japanese job interview

Oftentimes, you don’t need to bring anything since you probably already sent over documents through email communication. However, just to be safe, keep the following things:

Japanese resume or rirekisho since they could ask you to provide your own copy that is up-to-date and keep it for internal records. You probably won’t need to bring your cover letter if you wrote one.
Residence Card, Passport, or some kind of ID, since they may want to check your visa status and also have your official identification for internal processes. If the role needs you to drive, you should also bring your driver’s license to show you are qualified to drive in Japan.
Note pad in case you need to take notes or jot down information, which could include important dates, details about the role or company, and anything else you might want to reference.
Pen for filling out any documents, paperwork, tests, or taking notes.
A professional bag or something to keep documents, business cards, and other things you receive from the interviewer.
A hanko/inkan (signature stamp) if you have one, since Japanese companies may need you to stamp documents. Usually, this will only be necessary for the actual offer contract.

Etiquette for arriving at a Japanese job interview

Etiquette in Japanese interviews is not just about what you do during the interview but also about punctuality and being prepared.

When to arrive at the office

Punctuality is a part of Japanese interview etiquette, so you should try to arrive around 10 to 15 minutes before your interview. If your train or bus is delayed (we know it happens), just let your interviewers, or person of contact, know with a quick message. To be safe you can grab a Densha Chien Shoumeisho (電車遅延証明書), which is a little piece of paper providing evidence that your line was delayed.

A little tip about online interviews in Japan: You should try to be in the online meeting room around 5 minutes before it starts. Punctuality is also taken seriously for online interviews, so it is best to be a little early since being a little late

Arriving at the interview location

When you arrive at the office, there might be a phone or a receptionist whom you can inform of your name and time of the scheduled interview. You will probably wait briefly in the lobby before being led to a meeting room.

When entering the interview room, there is a sequence of steps you take to show proper manners:

Knock 3 times and wait for a response
When entering, say 失礼します(shitsureishimasu) and close the door gently
Greet them with a bow and a brief self-introduction はじめまして、__ともうします(hajimemashite __to moushimasu) which means something like, “nice to meet you, my name is __”
You will be offered a seat, but before sitting again, say “shitsurei shimasu”
Take off your jacket, and if you have a bag, place it somewhere next to you (like another chair), but do not place it on a table.

Quick Tip: Make sure your phone is on silent mode or turned off! You don’t want the interview to be interrupted by an alarm, an incoming phone call, or anything else your phone might do. It could also come off as rude.

Common Japanese job interview manners

So, now we will go over common etiquette to follow throughout the interview, including posture, language, and brief self-introductions.

Using keigo

Generally, you should speak in keigo especially if the role you’re applying for requires business-level Japanese. In many cases, teineigo or the desu and masu form is sufficient. However, try to avoid very casual language or overly direct language.

Like in interviews in other countries, keep general interview etiquette in mind, sound excited to join, and ask questions about the company. Avoid going straight to discussions about salary as this will not give off the best impression. Check out some useful phrases used in Japanese job interviews.

If you want to improve and practice business Japanese, please check out Coto Academy’s Business Japanese Courses.

Body language and posture

You may be nervous during your interview, and that’s okay! Try to relax and be yourself and focus on being sincere and answering each interview question honestly. Don’t overthink. Sit straight and look confident. Here are just a few tips to give off the best impression possible:

1. Avoid crossing your arms and legs

This could give off a somewhat disrespectful impression.

2. Avoid slouching

This also doesn’t give the best impression. It can make you look like you are not too serious about the company and may even affect your confidence, or at least how it’s portrayed.

3. Maintain eye contact

You want to give the interviewer your undivided attention and show you are valuing their time.

4. Keep your hands on your lap or above the table if there is one

You want to avoid putting your hands in your pockets or ending up crossing your arms. There are no specific rules but you don’t want to fall into habits that could unintentionally diminish the impression you want to give.

5. Be sincere and answer honestly

This is probably the most important aspect of the impression you will have on your interviewers. They just want to know if your background and personality will be a good fit for the company. So, let your sincerity take the lead here.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for further clarification

There may be times when they speak rather fast or go through something that you didn’t quite catch. People might hesitate to ask to clarify or have the interviewer repeat themselves but don’t worry it’s not rude and it shows your sincere interest in understanding the company better.

7. Be natural!

This may sound obvious but often we find ourselves overthinking and trying to do everything perfectly. All you’re trying to do is show how you are as a person to work with. So, just be yourself and show that you are sincerely interested in the company.

Introducing yourself during the job interview

a man in the middle of an interview session

You may have introduced yourself earlier in the job interview, but when they ask you to introduce yourself after everyone has settled in, the interview questioning has begun. So, you will need to provide a longer self-introduction that generally includes the following:

Your name and age.
When you came to Japan and how long you have been here.
Your current university or when you graduated from university. You should also include your major and what you studied. If you already have work experience, you should focus more on the roles you have done.
Your most recent work or internship experience.
A brief description discussing why you applied for the company.
Briefly mention hobbies or something about yourself

For more details about making an amazing self-introduction, read our introduction to jikoshoukai blog!

How to wrap up your job interview in Japan

Even if you’re at the end of your interview, you should not throw all etiquette out the window! Japanese interviews do not end until you walk out the door. So, once the interviewer announces that everything has concluded, you can remain seated and bow, saying ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu).

Afterward, you will generally follow these customs:

They will give you a business card which you must take with both hands and then place neatly in your bag. Exchanging business cards is a serious ordeal in Japan. You can read more about how to exchange meishi here.
When you are ready to leave, you can stand up and bow, then you head to the door turn around and bow again saying 失礼します (shitsureishimasu)
Close the door quietly after leaving.
It is not uncommon for interviewers or receptionists to walk you to the door or elevator, and right before you depart, you can say thank you again, followed by 「失礼します」while bowing.

What questions are they going to ask in Japanese interviews? Find out about key questions you are likely going to be asked in Japanese interviews!

Conclusion: Japanese Interview Etiquette is about Good Impressions

It’s normal to be nervous about doing Japanese job interviews, especially in a foreign country like Japan. Focus on being yourself and highlighting the best parts of you!

We hope you can use this guide to be aware of common Japanese etiquette to enhance your impression of your potential employers. We know job hunting is already difficult even without the extra rules of interview manners, but as you keep practicing, it’ll become second nature to you!

If you want to practice business Japanese, sign up for Coto’s Business Japanese classes where you do mock interviews and practice speaking Japanese for work!

FAQ

When should I arrive at a Japanese Job interview?

It is proper etiquette to arrive sometime between 5 and 15 minutes before the interview begins. You do not want to be too early or too late.

What should I wear for Japanese interviews?

The common etiquette is a dark suit and tie for men and for women a blouse, jacket, and dress skirt or pants.

How long are Japanese interviews usually?

Interviews usually range from 30 minutes to 1 hour. They can go on for longer depending on how much time the interviewers have and how quickly you go through the questions.

What is considered rude in a Japanese interview?

Quite a few things could be considered rude, such as arriving late, wearing inappropriate clothes, putting your feet on the furniture, and using casual language. Just keep general manners in mind, dress for the occasion, and show respect for your interviewers, such as using polite language.

How can I best impress my interviewers?

Understanding and displaying proper Japanese etiquette will give a great impression to the interviewers. But just as importantly, you should show your sincerity and passion for the role and company.

What is interview in Japanese?

“Interview” in Japanese is 面接 (mensetsu), commonly used for job or school interview.

Introduction to Japanese Keigo

The Concept of Uchi and Soto

Japanese Keigo for Beginners

Basic Rules of Keigo

1. Polite Japanese: Teineigo (丁寧語)

2. Honorific Japanese: Sonkeigo (尊敬語)

Humble Keigo: 謙譲語

Japanese Keigo Conjugation

29 Useful Japanese Keigo Phrases for Work

When Should I Use Japanese Keigo?

Speaking Keigo As a Foreigner in Japan

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FAQ

What is Keigo?

Why is Keigo important in Japanese?

What are the main types of Keigo?

When should I use Sonkeigo?

When should I use Kenjougo?

Is Teineigo enough for daily conversations?

Do native speakers always use Keigo perfectly?

How can I practice Keigo?

Is Keigo only for business?

Keigo (敬語) vs Tameguchi (タメ口)

What’s Keigo? Teineigo, Sonkeigo and Kenjougo

When You Shouldn’t Use Keigo

What’s Tameguchi? Casual Japanese Form

When Can You Use Tameguchi?

When Should You Not Use Tameguchi?

Where to Learn — and Not to Learn — Tameguchi

Conclusion

What is tameguchi?

What is keigo?

When should we use keigo?

Japanese Polite Prefixes

Rules of Japanese Honorific Prefixes

Frequent Expressions

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What is Thank You in Japanese?

Kanji for Arigatou（ありがとう）

History of Arigatou（ありがとう）

Culture of Saying Thank You in Japan

Casual and Everyday Ways to Say Thank You in Japanese

1. Sankyuu (サンキュー)

2. Azassu (あざっす)

3. Azamasu (あざます)

4. Doumo (どうも)

5. Sumimasen (すみません)

6. Sumanai (すまない)

7. Arigatou (ありがとう)

8. Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

9. Doumo arigatou gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます)

10. Doumo arigatou ( どうも ありがとう)

11. Kurete arigatou (～くれてありがとう)

How to Say Thank You in Business Japanese

12. Kansha shimasu (感謝します)

13. Osoreirimasu (恐れ入ります)

14. Arigataki shiawase (ありがたき幸せ)

15. Haisha moushiwagemasu ( 拝謝申し上げます)

**When Should You Not Use Tameguchi**?

10. Doumo arigatou ( どうもありがとう)

**7. 謝罪いたします (shazai itashimasu): I apologize**

**8. お許しください (o yurushi kudasai): Please forgive me.**

**9. 反省しております (hansei shite orimasu): I regret (what I have done)**

10. 勘弁してください (かんべんしてください): Please show me mercy

11. 合わせる顔がない (あわせるかおがない): I cannot face you