Have you already started to learn Japanese honorifics, or keigo? The word keigo (敬語) is written with the kanji that means “to respect” (敬) or “to admire” and the kanji for “language” (語). Keigo (敬語) is the Japanese system of honorific speech used to show respect, politeness, or humility depending on who you’re talking to and about.
Learning keigo is often the first step to building your business skills in Japanese. Japanese society has always cared for hierarchy, to the point that honorific speech seems like 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. And if it sounds challenging, it is. Even now, Japanese people and the native staff at Coto Academy say that keigo is something they’re all still learning.

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 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!

Introduction to Japanese Keigo

Why do Japanese people use keigo? Japanese people use keigo mainly to mark two things at once: social hierarchy and social distance. 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 according to the person in front of you: a friend, a colleague, a chief, or a client; and to whom you are referring, 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 distinguish between 先輩 (senior 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 in Keigo

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 of an 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 collectivist, follows the rough idea that conformity in society is more important, the opposite of the 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.

An in-group can go as small as your family and span 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 becomes, 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, with whom you have an equal or casual relationship. 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 to sit in a much higher social hierarchy. 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 are certainly tea, which becomes “o-cha” and family, 家族, which becomes ご家族.

The adjunction of honorifics after names is also a part of 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 a 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 to 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 in 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 people 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 addition of the polite prefix “o” to the stem of the verb.

We often focus on verb constructions and the social relations between a speaker and a listener, but keigo covers more than set expressions and situational examples. In particular, the 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 that indicate actions (suru verbs). For a 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 them into honorific form, but be careful. Adding too many prefixes will make your sentences sound awkward — we don’t want you trying too hard, 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 whether 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 loosely 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 a loss, not knowing who is eminent, who is your age, and who is younger. In some contexts, casual speech is preferred as an icebreaker, 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 to 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.

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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 whether to use keigo or “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 reveal your intentions.

Unlike English (or your native tongue), Japanese has a very clear and rigid distinction between formal and casual language. You can think of Japanese as having 2 main categories: 敬語 (keigo), which is formal Japanese, and 普通話 (futsutsutai), which is casual language.

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 be a list of Japanese slang or swear words. Instead, this will be a more general guide to the differences between using keigo and tameguchi.

If you’ve studied Japanese, you might be thinking that you have to learn a whole new way of speaking, but worry not! You probably already got a taste of keigo since most teachers will have you learn more polite speech to begin with. But let’s break down what formal and casual Japanese are, their differences, and how they compare with English!

English vs Japanese Formal & Casual Language

Before we discuss formal and casual language in Japanese, let’s break the ice with how and why it’s so different from English.

When you think of formal language in English, you might think of expressions that sound more “polite,” such as saying “would you like…?” rather than the more casual “do you want…?” So, using language to show respect is more about word choice, where “would” sounds softer, almost passive.

This is the right idea in Japanese, but it takes it a step further; formal language is about conjugation, in addition to word choice.

Japanese keigo actually has many levels of conjugation that express greater formality, or rather humility. In Japan, social hierarchy is a core part of its cultural fabric, so showing humility to those considered to have a higher social status than you is built into the language. Throughout Japanese history, showing humility and respect to those who are older, to your teacher, or to your lord was seen as essential for maintaining mutual coordination and harmony.

Keigo operates as a rather implicit way of communicating respect for someone. Without directly addressing that someone may be older or generally deserving of greater respect, using keigo shows your understanding of their social position relative to yours. The Japanese language is designed for this type of social structure, which in English might not be as strictly defined.

Keigo (敬語) vs Tameguchi (タメ口)

Going back to the first sentence, I’ve had a bunch of awkward conversations at the konbini where I would bounce between 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 feel 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 imagine 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 is Casual Japanese or 普通対 (Futsuutai)?

Casual Japanese, known as タメ口 (tameguchi) or 普通体 (futsuutai), is the informal speech style used in relaxed, everyday situations among people who are close to each other. It uses the plain verb form, also called the dictionary form, rather than the polite ます/です (masu/desu) endings found in formal speech.

Casual speech feels natural and warm between friends or family, but using it with the wrong person can come across as rude or presumptuous. It is the most common language used in casual conversation, and it forms the grammatical base upon which all other speech levels are built.

Example 1:

ご飯食べた？
Gohan tabeta?

Did you eat?

Example 2:

これ、すごくない？

Kore, sugoku nai?

Isn’t this amazing?

Who Should You Use Casual Japanese With?

As in English, you can generally be more relaxed and use more casual language with people you know, and be more formal with people you are less familiar with. In Japanese, they have specific words for this concept: 内 (uchi) meaning “in-group” and 外 (soto) meaning “out-group”. Of course, you use casual speech within your close inner circle or 内.

This could include friends, family members, close classmates, or younger children. However, you should avoid casual Japanese with strangers, teachers, coworkers you are not close to, customers, anyone older or senior, and anyone you have just met (as a general rule). When in doubt, it is always best to default to formal speech.

What is Formal Japanese or 敬語 (Keigo)?

敬語 (keigo) is defined largely by verb form conjugations that express greater respect to the listener. Formal Japanese is an essential part of Japanese business etiquette and is the go-to language in meetings and especially job interviews. That may sound complex, but you probably were already exposed to keigo. The most basic formal language consists of simply adding です (desu) or using a verb in ます (masu) form at the end of a sentence:

Example 1:

チョコレートは美味しいです。

Chokoreeto wa oishiidesu.

The chocolate is delicious.

Example 2:

This is called 丁寧語 (teineigo), which is considered the standard polite form, but there are more levels to Japanese keigo. You can think of keigo as expressing respect to someone both by using the language that elevates the listener, called 尊敬語 (sonkeigo) or honorific form, and language that shows humility 謙譲語 (Kenjougo), called humble form.

ケーキを食べます。

Keeki o tabemasu.

I eat cake.

1. 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) or Honorifics

尊敬語 (sonkeigo), or honorifics in English, is a form of language that “honors” or elevates the person you are speaking to or speaking about. When using sonkeigo, you are linguistically placing the other person or listener above yourself. For example, when you’re at a restaurant, you probably hear staff say:

店内で召し上がりますか？
Tennai de meshi agari masuka?

Will you be eating at the restaurant?

This question is in honorific form, since you are the customer, they will use language that elevates your status relative to them. The expression 召し上がります (meshi agarimasu) is the honorific conjugation of 食べる・飲む (taberu/nomu) meaning “to eat or drink.” Since they are describing an action that you will be doing, they use the honorific form to express deep respect for what you are doing and who you are.

However, keep in mind, you do not use the honorific form when describing your own actions, which would be grammatically incorrect and socially inappropriate, plus would just sound very unnatural to native speakers.

English	Casual	Polite Form	Honorific Form
To eat/drink	食べる・飲む (taberu / nomu)	食べます・飲みます (tabemasu / nomimasu)	召し上がります (meshi agarimasu)
To go/come/exist	行く・くる・いる (iku / kuru / iru)	行きます・来ます・います (ikimasu / kimasu / imasu)	いらっしゃいます (irasshaimasu)
To do	する (suru)	します (shimasu)	なさる (nasaru)
To look	見る (miru)	見ます (mimasu)	ご覧になる (goran ni naru)

When Do You Use Honorific Form?

When should you use the honorific form? Generally, you should always use it when speaking to or about your client, boss, teacher, and in certain cases, senpais (note that often honorifics are dropped with senpais you are close to). This is because each of these people is considered to be of a higher social status relative to you; therefore, you should respect their status and actions by using the honorific form.

Also, when you are speaking to or about your customers, you should use honorifics no matter their age or other relative status. Even the word for customer in Japanese, お客様 (okyakusama), is an honorific term that consists of the suffix 〜様 (~sama), which highly elevates the listener.

2. 謙譲語 (Kenjougo) or Humble Forms

On the other side of formal Japanese language, you have 謙譲語 (kenjougo) or humble form. This type of language is used to place yourself below the listener when describing yourself and your actions. You probably heard the humble form when interacting with service staff who are basically saying they “humbly” do something in your favor. For example:

席にお持ち致します。

Seki ni omochi itashimasu.

I will (humbly) take to your seat.

You probably heard an expression like this when eating at a restaurant. お持ちいたします (omochi itashimasu) is the humble form of 持つ (motsu) meaning “to take/bring.” By using this expression, they are essentially saying they will “humbly” bring your items to your seat. This works to lower their social status relative to you.

Another 謙譲語 form you probably used plenty of times before is よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegaishimasu), which is often used in self-introductions. But it’s also common at the end of emails or when asking a colleague for a favor. The phrase よろしい (yoroshii) is actually the kengougo version of いい (ii), meaning good. So, the whole expression literally translates to “please be good to me.” Take a look at our list of common kenjougo conjugations and how they compare to casual and teinego language:

English	Casual	Polite Form	Honorific Form
To eat/drink/receive	食べる・飲む・もらう(taberu / nomu / morau)	食べます・飲みます・もらいます (tabemasu / nomimasu / moraimasu)	いただきます (itadakimasu)
To go/come	行く・来る (iku / kuru)	行きます・来ます (ikimasu / kimasu)	参ります (mairimasu)
To be present/exist	いる (iru)	います (imasu)	おります (orimasu)
To do	する (suru)	します (shimasu)	致します (itashimasu)
To ask/hear	聞く(kiku)	聞きます (kikimasu)	伺う (ukagau)
To say	言う (iu)	言います (iimasu)	申します (moushimasu)

When Do You Use 謙譲語 (Kenjougo) or Humble Form?

Kenjougo or humble form is commonly used when speaking about yourself to people who are of a higher social status, like your boss, senpai, or teacher, as well as with people you do not know very well. It’s also common to use humble form when speaking about yourself or your company to customers and clients, since you want to lower your status to express that you are below them as a way of showing respect and even gratitude.

The humble form is very common in formal situations, especially involving business partners, clients, or people you don’t know very well, even if they are a similar age or share a similar job title. To be on the safe side, humble form is often preferred in order to show respect and appreciation.

Note, kenjougo is commonly used in conjunction with sonkeigo (honorific form) to simultaneously elevate the listener and lower the status of the speaker. In a formal situation or whenever you would like to show respect to someone, you would never just use one or the other.

For more details on how to use keigo in Japanese conversation, check out our blog: Introduction to Japanese Keigo: Honorific & Humble Form

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 not to use exaggerated keigo speech that 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 used to address someone as an equal, without using humble, honorific, or 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, tends 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 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 the 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 extreme: 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 skills to super-casual.

Learning Japanese casual forms is a bit trickier 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 phrases 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

Japanese is very clearly organized between casual and differing levels of formal language, and there are specific situations when you should use each. Casual language is great for expressing warmth and comfort to those you are closer to, while formal language is ideal for business/office settings, when speaking to your boss, or when you’re in meetings or interviews. Just remember to use sonkeigo (honorific form) when speaking to or about others and kenjougo (humble form) when speaking about yourself!

To really learn Japanese and how to use casual or formal Japanese properly, we highly recommend taking our conversation or business Japanese courses at Coto Academy. These courses will have you practice speaking Japanese to build confidence and language fluency. Our business course focuses on preparing foreigners to work and do interviews in Japanese! If this sounds right for you, sign up below!

FAQ

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.

When should you use formal or casual Japanese?

Generally speaking, formal Japanese is always safe whenever you are unsure, especially with strangers, in professional settings, or when meeting someone for the first time. But amongst friends, close colleagues, or just anyone you’re close to, speaking casually would feel less cold and more natural.

What is the difference between casual and formal Japanese?

The most visible difference is verb endings. Casual Japanese uses plain dictionary forms like 食べる (taberu), while formal Japanese uses polite ます endings like 食べます (tabemasu). Casual speech also tends to be shorter, drop pronouns, and feel more direct overall.

How many levels of politeness are there in Japanese?

There are three main levels within the keigo system: teineigo (polite), sonkeigo (honorific), and kenjougo (humble). Below that sits casual speech. For most learners, understanding these four covers the vast majority of real-world situations.

Is it rude to use casual Japanese in certain situations?

Speaking casually to a superior, customer, or someone you have just met can come across as disrespectful or inappropriate. When in doubt, default to formal; it is always easier to relax your language than to recover from offending someone.

Business Japanese can almost feel like an entirely different language. When you first start learning it, it might seem like you’re starting Japanese from scratch all over again. However, once you become familiar, you’ll notice that there are a handful of common corporate-specific Japanese words used repeatedly.

For some, business Japanese phrases might seem unimportant or something only advanced learners need to know. But if you plan to work in Japan or communicate with Japanese clients someday, it’s best to start learning these phrases as early as possible. To help you get started, we’ve gathered around 15 essential phrases that will guide you in navigating Japanese business culture and speaking appropriately in an office setting.

Using Keigo in the Japanese Business Environment

The Japanese business language is fundamentally based on keigo (honorific language). This is often why many people struggle to understand service staff when they first arrive in Japan, even if they have studied Japanese. Essentially, keigo consists of special verb conjugations and expressions used to speak humbly about yourself or respectfully honor others.

There are 3 main forms of keigo:

Teineigo (丁寧語): The most basic form, basically the です (desu) and ます (masu) conjugation.
Sonkeigo (尊敬語): Language used to show respect when speaking about the listener. It elevates the status of the other person by using special verbs, expressions, and conjugations.
Kenjougo (謙譲語): Language used to show humility when speaking about yourself. It is used to lower the speaker’s own position or actions in order to show respect towards the other party.

We have a detailed breakdown of Japanese Keigo if you need a further introduction. For now, we will discuss the keigo you might notice in our list of business phrases:

Common Keigo In Business

So, here are common keigo conjugations that you might find in the phrases on this list.

Standard/Textbook Form	Keigo	English
する suru	致す itasu	To do
いる iru	おります orimasu	Exist / is there / present
まらう morau / あげる ageru	頂きます itadakimasu	Receive / give

What Is Business Japanese?

How is business Japanese different from standard Japanese? Generally speaking, business Japanese refers to a very polite and formal form of Japanese (sonkeigo and kenjougo) since that is ideal for business situations. In Japan, social hierarchy is very important and within your company, it is important to show respect to your superiors. But also when dealing with clients, you often use language that holds them in higher regard to show appreciation for their time and consideration in working with you.

Keigo can be used outside of business, perhaps to your coach, martial arts instructor, mayor, president, or anyone who is in a higher social position. While business Japanese mostly uses keigo, not every phrase commonly used in business is necessarily keigo.

So, the Japanese business phrases on this list are just common expressions you can use for business settings (keigo or not). However, many of the phrases on this list could work for other contexts beyond business.

If you would like to practice Business Japanese, please check out our Business Japanese courses!

Useful Japanese Business Phrases

We felt that these were some of the most useful and common Japanese business phrases to pick up for working in Japan. Unfortunately, there is no great English equivalent for many of these phrases, but they do have specific uses. So, we will describe their specific uses so you can understand when and how to use these phrases.

1. よろしくお願い致します (Yoroshiku Onegaiitashimasu)

Furigana: よろしくおねがいいたします

Meaning: Thank you for your support.

You have probably learnt this one for when you introduce yourself; however, it’s a very versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of Japanese business scenarios. This phrase can mean any of the following:

Thank you for your cooperation
Please be patient with me
Please take care of me
Thank you in advanced

Oftentimes after a meeting with a client or colleague, you say this phrase as a formality to either express your gratitude for cooperating or even being patient with you.

2. お世話になっております (Osewa Ni Natte Orimasu)

Furigana: おせわになっております

Meaning: Thank you for your support

お世話になっております (Osewa ni natte orimasu) is a very common and polite Japanese phrase used especially in business settings. It literally means “I am being taken care of” or “I am in your care,” but it’s often translated as “Thank you for your support.” You usually use this phrase at the beginning of a business Japanese email and call.

Example:

お世話(せわ)になっております。会議(かいぎ)に参加(さんか)して頂(いただ)いてありがとうございます。
Osewa ni natte orimasu. Kaigi ni sanka shite itadaite arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you for your continued cooperation with us and for joining our meeting.

3. 承知致しました (Shouchi Itashimashita)

Furigana: しょうちいたしました

Meaning: I understand.

Unlike the casual わかった (wakatta) or the more neutral わかりました (wakarimashita), 承知いたしました shows a higher level of respect and humility, making it appropriate in formal business settings. Shouchi itashimashita is a very polite way of saying “understood”, “certainly”, or “got it”. It is most commonly used in response to a request from your boss or even your senpai.

Example:

上司：ジョンさん、ホームページの文章を英訳(えいやく)してください。
Doushi: Jon-san, hoomu peeji no bunshou wo eiyaku shite kudasai.
Boss: John, please translate the home page text into English.

ジョン：承知致しました。
Jon: Shoushi shimashita.
John: Understood, will do.

4. お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama Desu)

Furigana: おつかれさまです

Meaning: Thank you for your hard work.

You might recognize 疲れる (tsukareru) in this expression, meaning to be tired; however, お疲れ様です implies a meaning closer to “good work” or “good job”. You often use this expression as a way of saying “goodbye” to colleagues while showing gratitude for their hard work, an important custom in Japan.

Learn more about how to use otsukaresama desu.

Example:

お疲れ様です！
Otsukare sama desu!
Great job today!

5. 失礼します (Shitsurei Shimasu)

Furigana: しつれいします

Meaning: Excuse me.

You use shitsurei shimasu as a very polite way to say “excuse me” or “pardon me”. It is similar to すみません sumimasen, but it’s used in different contexts. You usually would say 失礼します when you enter a room, end a call, or leave the office before your colleagues.

It used to be frowned upon to leave the office before any of your colleagues; however, this unsaid work rule is fading in favor of a greater work/life balance. So you can say this phrase to show consideration to your colleagues who are still working.

Example:

お先に失礼します.
Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu

Pardon my rudeness for leaving before you.

6. 恐れ入りますが (Osore Irimasu Ga)

Furigana: 恐れ入りますが

Meaning: Sorry to bother you.

恐れ入りますが (Osore irimasu ga) is a very polite expression often used to say “sorry to bother you” or “excuse me.” It conveys humility and respect, acknowledging that you are asking for someone’s time or attention. This phrase is commonly used before making a polite request, especially in business or formal situations, to soften the request and show consideration for the listener.

Example:

恐れ入りますが、こちらのEメールを確認して頂いてよろしいでしょうか?
Osore irimasuga, kochira no emeeru wo kakunin shite itadaite yoroshiideshouka?

I’m so sorry to bother you, but can you check this email I wrote?

7. 差し支えなければ (Sashi Tsukae Nareba)

Furigana: さしつかえなれば

Meaning: If it is not inconvenient…

Saying さしつかえなければ is similar to saying “if you don’t mind”. It’s a formal expression for delicately making proposals or asking permission

Example:

差し支えなければ、今週(こんしゅう)の予定(よてい)を伺(うかが)ってもよろしいですか？

Sashitsenareba konshou no yotei o ukagattemo yoroshii desuka?

If you don’t mind, may I ask about your schedule this week?

8. ただいま確認致します(Tadaima Kakunin Itashimasu)

Furigana: ただいまかくにんいたします/ごかくにんおねがいいたします

Meaning: I am confirming now.

“Tadaima kakunin itashimasu” is a way to politely express that you need to check or confirm something. But when you want to ask someone to check or confirm your request, then you can say “go kakunin onegai itashimasu.”

Example:

ただいま8月(がつ)の予定(よてい)を確認(かくにん)致(いた)します。

Tadaima chiimu no hachigatsu no yotei o kakunin itashimasu

I will check my schedule for August.

9. ご存知です (Gozonji Desu)

Furigana: ごぞんじです

Meaning: I know

ご存知です (Gozonji desu) is a polite and respectful way to say “know” in Japanese. It is the 尊敬語 (sonkeigo), or honorific form, of the verb 知る (shiru), which means “to know.” This form is used when referring to the knowledge or awareness of someone you want to show respect to, such as your boss, clients, or other superiors.

Because it is an honorific expression, ご存知です is never used when talking about your own knowledge. You use ご存知です to respectfully indicate that someone of higher status is aware of or knows something.

Example:

社長はこのプロジェクトをご存知ですか？
Shachou wa kono purojekuto o gozonji desu ka?
Does the company president know about this project?

ご存知の通り、明日は休業日です。
Gozonji no toori, ashita wa kyuugyoubi desu.
As you know, tomorrow is a holiday.

10. 少々お待ちください (Shoushou Omachi Kudasai)

Furigana: 少々お待ちください

Meaning: Please wait a moment.

This is a very formal way of saying “please wait a moment”. It is considered even more polite than saying ちょっとまってください (chotto matte kudasai), which you may have learnt. You often use this expression on phone calls or when you need to briefly pause the conversation.

Example:

ただいま確認(かくにん)致(いた)します。少々(しょうしょう)お待(ま)ちください。

Tadaima kakunin itashimasu. Shoushou o machi kudasai

Please wait a moment while I make a confirmation.

11. 〜頂きありがとうございます (Itadaki Arigatou Gozaimasu)

Furigana: 〜いただきありがとうございます

Meaning: Thank you for…

This is a very respectful way of saying “Thank you for..” It’s a humble and polite way to express gratitude for something you have been given, such as help, a gift, or a favor.

This grammar pattern can be attached to the stem of another verb to express “to humbly receive the action of someone doing something for me.” For example, 教えて頂く means “to humbly receive teaching” or “to be taught.”

Structure	Meaning	Example (Japanese)	Meaning Example
Noun + を + 頂く	Humbly receive something	お電話を頂く	Humbly receive a phone call
Verb stem + 頂く	Humbly receive an action	教えて頂く	Humbly receive teaching

Example:

お電話頂きありがとうございます。

Odenwa itadaki arigatou gozaimasu.

Thank you for calling.

Check out more ways to say thank you in Japanese.

12. ご検討ください (Gokentou Kudasai)

Furigana: ごけんとうください

Meaning: Please consider.

We mentioned that some business Japanese phrases don’t necessarily use keigo but instead rely on specific word choices. 検討 (kentou) is one such example!

Both 検討 and 考える (kangaeru) mean “to think” or “to consider,” but they differ in nuance and usage. 検討 refers to carefully examining or reviewing something in detail, often in formal or business contexts. In contrast, 考える is a more general and casual word used for thinking or reflecting on ideas, plans, or problems in everyday situations.

You can use this to politely request your client, colleague, or even boss to kindly consider something for you from deals, proposals, or requests.

Example:

提案をご検討ください

Boku no teian o gokentou kudasai

Please consider my proposal.

13. 申し訳ないです (Moushi Wakenai Desu)

Furigana: もうしわけないです

Meaning: I am sorry.

This Japanese phrase is considered the most polite way to apologize. There will definitely be times you will need to apologize when working in Japan, so you can use this phrase for just about any circumstance. For an even more formal version, you can say 申し訳ございません (moushi wake gozaimasen).

Example:

会議に5分間遅れて申し訳(わけ)ないです。

Kaigi ni go hunkan okurete moushi wake naidesu.

I apologize for being 5 minutes late to the meeting.

14. ご連絡ありがとうございます (Go Renraku Arigatou Gozaimasu)

Furigana: ごれんらくありがとうございます

Meaning: Thank you for letting me know.

Needless to say, you will often need to be contacted when you are working in Japan. So, whenever you pick up the phone or respond to an email, you can respectfully show your gratitude with this phrase.

Example:

直接電話でご連絡ありがとうございます。

Chokusetsu denwade gorenraku arigatou gozaimasu.

Thank you very much for directly contacting me by phone.

15. 少しお時間よろしいでしょうか？(Sukoshi Ojikan Yoroshii Deshouka?)

Furigana: すこしおじかんよろしいでしょうか？

Meaning: Do you have a moment?

In Japan, the culture of ホウレンソウ (horenso)—which stands for reporting, notifying, and consulting—is widely practiced in workplaces. When you need time to horenso with your manager without setting a formal meeting, or want to ask for their time to discuss something briefly, you can use this phrase.

This phrase is roughly equivalent to saying “Do you have a moment?” but it is very polite. You can use it to politely ask someone on the phone if it’s a good time to talk, or in person if you want to speak with them briefly.

Example:

少し伺いたいことがありますので、お時間よろしいでしょうか？

Sukoshi ukagaitai koto ga arimasunode, ojikan yoroshiideshouka?

I have something I would like to ask you real quick. Do you have a moment now?

Closing Thoughts

Business Japanese can be quite overwhelming at first, but with these phrases to start, you will get used to the different expressions used in business. These are 15 of the most common Japanese business phrases that you will hear and need to use. So, try to remember some of them and start practicing speaking Japanese for a career in Japan!

Want to Learn Business Japanese? Join Coto Academy!

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FAQ

How is business Japanese different from standard Japanese?

Business Japanese differs from everyday conversational Japanese due to its emphasis on Keigo or language used to convey greater respect to others. Keigo uses conjugations of words you wouldn’t typically employ in casual conversation with family and friends.

How do you formally introduce yourself for business in Japan?

To formally introduce yourself you could say, ジョンと申します。But in an interview or business setting, you should provide a full 自己紹介 or self introduction. It should include your name, age, country of origin, school or university, and most recent experience.

What is the term service staff say when you enter a store?

They say いらっしゃいませ which is a very respectful way to say “welcome!”.

Do I need to use keigo with everyone I work with?

It’s standard in Japan to use keigo as much as possible with your superiors, bosses, and especially clients. With your fellow colleagues and subordinates, you don’t need to use it as much. Of course, it does depend on the company and your relationship with each person.

What does “Osewa ni natte orimasu” mean?

Looking to work in Japan or boost your career? You might be interested in:

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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As of 2026, Japan has more than 57,000 convenience stores, colloquially called the konbini. Don’t think of them as your regular gas station mini-mart back home. Konbini in Japan play in an entirely different league: you can print documents, get your tax records and proof of residence, pay your bills, and transfer money, all right before grabbing your first mouthwateringly good tsunamayo (tuna mayonnaise) onigiri (Japanese rice ball) of the day.

A common thing our students at Coto Academy joke about is how they use the universal daijoubu desu (大丈夫です) to answer everything the konbini clerk asks. But we’d argue it doesn’t have to be your default answer once you actually know what they’re asking. I worked at a Family Mart for about two years back in university, so I know a thing or two about these phrases.

If you want to sound more fluent, we’ve compiled some common Japanese phrases you’ll hear (and can use) at the convenience store.

Read on to find out.

First, Watch Our Video on Survival Phrases for Your Trip to the Konbini

Japanese Convenience Store Phrases You’ll Hear

infographic for japanese konbini phrases

While it varies from person to person, most Japanese convenience store clerks are trained to go through a few standard steps with customers: asking whether you need a plastic bag, want to use a point card for the transaction, and so on.

These phrases often use keigo (honorifics), so they might sound a bit different from what you’d find if you translated things straight from a dictionary.

I never received formal keigo training myself, but the first week of my job as a new konbini hire was spent shadowing another employee. These are the phrases that came up again and again

1. Welcome! いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase).

Perhaps one of the most common greetings most of us are already familiar with is いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase). It basically means “welcome, come in.” The word comes from irassharu (いらっしゃる), the honorific form of “to be” (iru, いる), “to come” (kuru, くる), or “to go” (iku, いく). Yes, that one polite verb covers all three depending on context.

The konbini staff don’t necessarily even have to see you either; when you step inside a konbini, you’ll hear a distinct jingle, which is also how staff know someone’s arrived. Sometimes you’ll also hear other staff members chime in as standard practice and customer service culture.

2. Do you need a bag? 袋はご利用ですか (Fukuro wa goriyou desu ka)?

Fukuro means “bag,” though the fuller term is actually binibukuro (plastic bag).

The verb used here is riyou (利用), meaning “to use.” Because clerks speak in keigo, they attach the prefix go- to make it more polite.

You might also hear the staff use another variation:

袋にお入れしますか？
Fukuro ni oire shimasu ka?
Do you want (your items) in a plastic bag?

The more textbook version is actually:

袋は、要ります？
Fukuro wa、irimasu ka?
Do you need a plastic bag?

3. Do you need a receipt? レシートはご利用ですか (Reshiito wa goriyou desu ka)?

Similar to the plastic bag question, staff are trained to ask if you want a receipt (since most of us are going to toss it anyway). Most konbini even keep a small bin by the register so you can throw it away right there, but they’ll usually ask first.

One important thing to note: you’ll hear both the word reshiito (レシート) and ryoushuusho (領収書) thrown around a lot. Both translate to “receipt” in the dictionary, but they’re not interchangeable in practice.

Reshiito is the standard printed receipt you get by default. Ryoushuusho, on the other hand, is a formal receipt that comes with an official stamp (hanko), usually used when you want to reimburse an item or keep the transaction on the books. You have to request it specifically, and staff will usually ask for the payee’s name to write on it.

4. Do you want to heat up this food? 温めますか (Atatamemasuka)?

If you buy a bento, burrito, or even onigiri (most onigiri come slightly chilled, and while they’re generally not meant to be heated, some flavors are actually recommended warm) staff might ask:

お弁当、温めますか？
Obentou, atatamemasu ka?
Would you like your bento heated up?

Konbini microwaves are usually pretty strong (a whole bento can be heated in two minutes), so it won’t take much time. If it’ll take a few minutes, staff might ask you to step aside so they can keep serving other customers while it heats.

If you want it heated, say:
お願いします。
Onegaishimasu.
Yes, please.

If not, say:
大丈夫です。
Daijoubu desu.
No, I’m okay/good.

5. Do you need chopsticks? お箸は、お付けしますか (Ohashi wa otsuke shimasu ka)?

By default, unless it’s dessert, Japanese people tend to reach for chopsticks (yes, even for pasta). Staff will usually ask:

お箸は、お付けしますか？
Ohashi wa, otsuke shimasu ka?
Would you like chopsticks with that?

If you’d rather use something else, here are other utensils you can request:

Fork: フォーク (fooku)
Spoon: スプーン (supuun)
Straw: ストロー (sutoroo)

6. Do you have a point card?ポイントカードはお持ちですか (Pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka)?

Japan has point card systems for just about everything, from your local supermarket to the dry cleaner. Konbini are no exception, and each chain tends to run its own system. Sadly, they are all separate from the others.

For example, FamilyMart accepts both T-Point and Rakuten Points. 7-Eleven has nanaco. Lawson has Ponta. These don’t have to be physical cards either. Most can be linked to a barcode in an app on your phone.

How it typically works is simple: each transaction earns you points based on the amount spent (usually somewhere around one point per 100–200 yen). Points accumulate over time and can be used toward future purchases.

We’d recommend signing up if you’re a regular at the same konbini brand. If you tend to bounce between different stores, though, the points probably won’t add up to much.

If you have a card and want to use it, staff will ask:

ポイントは、ご利用ですか？
Pointo wa, go-riyou desu ka?
“Would you like to use your points?”

7. Is it okay to give it to you like this?こちらでよろしいですか (Kochira de yoroshii desu ka)?

If you’re only buying a small item, staff might ask whether it’s okay to hand it to you as-is, without a bag. They’ll usually still tape over or scan the barcode as proof of purchase.

Another way you might hear this is with sono mama (“as is”):

そのままでよろしいですか？
Sono mama de yoroshii desu ka?
Is it okay like this (without a bag)?

8. How would you like to pay? お支払いはどうなさいますか (Oshiharai wa dou nasaimasuka)

Staff will ask this when there are multiple payment options available, cash, card, e-money like Suica or PASMO, or QR code payments like PayPay.

A quick grammar breakdown: お支払い (oshiharai) is the polite form of 支払い (shiharai), meaning “payment.” どう (dou) means “how.” なさいます(nasaimasu)is the honorific form of する

To answer, you can just name your method directly:

Cash: 現金 (genkin)
Credit card: カード (kaado)
Suica: Suicaで (suica de)

9. Your total is OOO. お会計は、◯◯円になります (Okaikei wa, ◯◯en ni narimasu).

This is how staff will tell you the total. For example, if your total comes to 150 yen, they’ll say:

お会計は、150円になります。
Okaikei wa, hyaku gojuu en ni narimasu.
Your total is 150 yen.

One thing that trips a few of us is the use of になります (ni narimasu). Literally, 会計◯◯円になります reads as something like “the total becomes ◯◯ yen,” which sounds odd in English.

It’s a keigo softening convention. Narimasu (from naru, “to become”) is used in service Japanese instead of the more direct desu (“is”) because it sounds less blunt and more politely distanced. Compare:

お会計は、◯◯円です。
Okaikei wa, ◯◯en desu)
The total is ◯◯ yen.

お会計は、◯◯円になります。
Okaikei wa, ◯◯en ni narimasu
The total comes to ◯◯ yen.

Tips: In reality, in the convenience store, the staff will rarely use the word kaikei (total). They might just simply say, “Your total is (this amount).”

10. Your change is OOO. ◯◯円のお返しです (◯◯en no okaeshi desu).

Staff says this when handing back your change. Staff will often count it out loud as they place it in your hand, which is a good moment to double-check it’s correct.

For example, if you hand over 500 yen in cash for a 150 yen item, they’ll say this while giving you your change:

350円のお返しです。
Sanbyaku gojuu en no okaeshi desu.
Your change is 350 yen.

Keep in mind this phrase only applies when paying with cash. If you’re paying with a gift card or prepaid card, staff might instead tell you your remaining balance:

残高は500円です。
Zandaka wa gohyaku en desu.
Your remaining balance is 500 yen.

11. Next in line, please. 次のお客様どうぞ (Tsugi no okyakusama, douzo)

While konbini service is usually very quick, you might run into rush hours, typically mornings, lunchtime, and right when people are leaving work, especially at konbini near train stations. When there is a line, the staff might say, “次のお客様どうぞ (Tsugi no okyakusama, douzo),” to let the person next in line know that they can come forward.

Staff can also say:

次のお待ちのお客様、どうぞ。

Tsugi no omachi no okyakusama, douzo

Next customer who’s waiting, please (come forward).”

12. Please wait a moment. 少々お待ちください (Shoushou omachi kudasai)

You’ll hear this if something takes a bit of time, like heating up food, or when they are doing a task that cannot be paused midway

13. Sorry to keep you waiting. お待たせしました (Omatase shimashita)

This is typically right after #11, once whatever you were waiting for is ready.

Responses You Can Make at Japanese Convenience Store

Previously, we brought up all of the things a konbini clerk might say to you. This time, let’s go through all the possible combinations you can say to them.

1. No, I don’t have/bring them. 持っていません (Motte imasen).

持っていません (motte imasen) can technically mean two things: when you don’t have something, or when you’re not carrying it.

You can usually use this when staff ask if you have something with you,like a point card or your own bag (this comes up more often now that some konbini charge for plastic bags).

2. No, please. いらないです (Iranai desu).

Japanese doesn’t really say “no” directly or the straight-up いいえ (iie) as it can come off as a little cold. いらないです (“I don’t need it”) is the natural way to decline a bag, chopsticks, or a receipt. You’ll also hear people soften it further with けっこうです (kekkou desu) or just fall back on 大丈夫です.

3. Yes, please. お願いします (Onegaishimasu)

The word onegaishimasu has multiple meanings (and versatility to it). You can even use it to say thank you, ask a favor, or as a closing for a business email.

In this context, you can use this phrase whenever staff offers you something and the answer is yes: a bag, a warmed-up bento, or using your points.

4. I’m okay! 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu)

Daijoubu desu is a flexible, polite way to decline something without sounding blunt. Just remember: it means “no thanks,” not “yes.” A lot of learners get confused up here and accidentally agree to something they meant to decline.

5. Using cash/credit, please! 現金/カードでお願いします (Genkin/kaado de onegaishimasu)

Said when staff asks how you’d like to pay, or when you want to specify before they ask. Swap in 現金 (genkin, cash) or カード (kaado, card) depending on how you’re paying. You can also just hold up your card or cash.

What to Watch Out For: Konbini Keigo and Real Keigo Are 2 Different Things

By now, we’ve mentioned the staff’s use of keigo a few times, but this is actually not fully accurate depiction of “real,” textbook-correct keigo.

Instead, what they’re using is called コンビニ敬語 (konbini keigo), a variant of バイト敬語 (baito keigo), or “part-timer’s keigo”.

Baito keigo refers to keigo-based expressions standardized in official customer service manuals for many businesses that train a large volume of front-facing customer service staff members. That’s also why the style is nicknamed manual keigo, or マニュアル敬語 (manyuaru keigo).

It’s treated as its own separate category, rather than simply “keigo,” because it’s technically considered incorrect. It relies on nonstandard formulas and, in some cases, applies Japan’s hierarchical honorific system inconsistently.

For example, when you hand over cash, staff will often say:

1万円からお預かりします。
Ichiman-en kara oazukari shimasu
I’ll receive from 10,000 yen.

The pain point here is the use of から, the Japanese particle for “from”.

The grammatically correct form is actually:

1万円、お預かりします。
Ichimaen,oatsukari shimasu.
I’ll receive 10,000 yen.

The reason why から is used for baito keigo is that the customer would be digging through their wallet trying to scrape together exact change but doesn’t quite seem to have enough. In that moment, “kara” politely signals, “I’ll just calculate this based on the 10,000 yen, then.”

Not everyone appreciates it, though. Some customers find the phrasing presumptuous, since it can come across as though staff have already decided you won’t find the right change.

Another issue is that because the phrases are too standardized for the sake of training as efficiently and fast as possible, they are used uniformly regardless of the situation, whether the customer is a child, an acquaintance, a superior, or a subordinate.

This is also part of why, in Japanese media, this style of keigo gets linked to broader “language deterioration” narratives. Young people, who make up most of the part-time workforce using baito keigo, are seen as relying on it heavily and adopting it in their professional careers.

Things Are Changing: Communicationless Transaction

If you’ve visited a konbini recently, you may have noticed things are shifting. Many stores have digitalized in recent years, where payments are now often processed through a machine rather than handled manually by staff. The staff is still there to handle packing, but this automatic payment system avoids both human error in counting change and also saves time.

Some stores have taken this even further: Lawson has started employing remote clerks overseas to serve customers through digital avatars. They leveraged time zone differences so a worker based abroad can staff the graveyard shift in Japan during their own regular daytime hours.

Self-checkout is also becoming standard at many locations, where you scan your own items and pay without a cashier.

These changes mean some of the phrases we covered above are gradually becoming less common. In the past, staff would tell you your total and count out your change by hand. Now, you don’t need to understand Japanese numbers to know the amount.

Some Konbini Etiquette to Know

konbini-related japanese vocabulary infographic

The Bow

Even in a fast-paced “Konbini,” you’ll notice that the staff will often give a slight bow when handing you your items or change. It’s a sign of respect and gratitude, a small gesture that says, “Thank you for shopping with us.”

The Two-Handed Exchange

When the cashier hands you your receipt, change, or items, they’ll often do so with both hands. This is another sign of politeness and care, showing that they’re handling your transaction with attention. Sometimes, the cashier may ask if you want your receipt.

The Pointing Gesture

When the staff points at something, it’s often to clarify a question or action related to your purchase. For example, they might ask, こちらは、温めますか (Kochira wa, atatamemasu ka?), which means “Would you like this heated up?”

You can simply reply with はい、お願いします (Hai, onegaishimasu) if you want it heated, or いいえ、大丈夫です (Iie, daijoubu desu) if you don’t. It’s a quick and easy way to ensure your order is how you like it!

By using these phrases and gestures, you’re making your experience easier and showing respect for the people and the culture around you. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about nailing a perfect “Arigatou gozaimashita!” as you leave the store. It’s a small achievement that adds a lot of joy to your day.

Some more Tips!

Ready to put your newfound knowledge to the test? Here’s how you can start practicing konbini language today:

1. Start Small: Next time you visit a konbini, use just one or two phrases you’ve learned. Even a simple “Onegai shimasu” when you hand over your item can make a big difference.

2. Observe and Imitate: Watch how the locals do it. Listen to the phrases they use, pay attention to the non-verbal cues, and don’t be afraid to mimic what you see. It’s the fastest way to learn!

3. Build Confidence: The more you practice, the more natural it will feel. Don’t worry if you make mistakes—every effort is appreciated, and the staff is usually very patient.

4. Ask Questions: Don’t be shy about asking where something is or if they have a specific product. Using phrases like “XX wa doko desu ka?” or “Kono shouhin wa arimasu ka?” will help you find what you need and give you more opportunities to practice.

5. Have Fun: Learning konbini language is not just about utility; it’s about enjoying connecting with a different culture. So have fun with it, and enjoy the ride!

Who knew that a quick visit to the store could be so enjoyable? Now that you’re armed with these phrases and tips, you’re ready to take on the world of konbinis like a true local. Whether paying by cash, card, or Suica, asking for a plastic bag, or hunting down your favorite snack, you can navigate quickly and confidently.

Conclusion: Learn Japanese for Everyday Life

Japanese convenience store phrases might sound complicated at first, but after a few trips, you’ll start noticing they barely deviate from the phrases we’ve covered above.

If you want to keep building on this kind of real, everyday Japanese, Coto Academy offers courses in Tokyo and Yokohama for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced learners preparing for the JLPT. Our teachers focus on natural, practical Japanese you’ll actually use, not just textbook grammar.

Check out our course options and find the class that fits your goals, or visit one of our campuses in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Iidabashi, Yokohama, or Minato to see what studying with Coto Academy is like.

FAQ

Do I need to speak fluent Japanese to use the konbini language?

Not at all! Even just knowing a few key phrases can go a long way in making your konbini experience smoother and more enjoyable. The staff will appreciate your effort, and it will make your interactions easier.

What’s the best phrase to use if I’m paying with cash?

Simply say, “Genkin de Onegai shimasu,” which means “I’ll pay with cash, please.”

Does Coto Language School offer cultural experiences as part of the learning process?

Yes! Alongside language lessons, we offer cultural workshops and outings that allow you to experience Japanese culture firsthand, making your language learning journey more immersive and fun. And we also offer courses that focus on practical Japanese for everyday situations, including konbini language, so you can navigate life in Japan with confidence.

Getting ready for a job interview in Japan can be a nerve-wracking experience. Irrespective of whether you are Japanese or not, beyond simply answering these questions, you need to abide to certain etiquette. That doesn’t account for the skill or case-based questions that might come up during the interview process, which can be hard to answer in your native language, let alone in Japanese.

If you’ve already passed the first hurdle of resume screening (check out our guide on writing a great resume to increase your chances of passing that!), that’s a sign that your skills and experience have made a strong impression. But that’s just the beginning.

While your resume may get your foot in the door, your ability to answer questions clearly and present yourself well is what truly determines your chances of moving forward and landing that dream job in Japan. In this post, we’ll cover tips on how to handle some of the most commonly asked questions in Japanese job interviews, as well as important cultural and professional points to keep in mind.

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

What Are Some Key Questions Asked at a Japanese Job Interview?

The key thing to remember is that the interviewer is more interested in how you answer their questions than in your actual answers. If you can deliver an answer with confidence and proper Japanese, this will indicate that you will be able to communicate with your potential future coworkers.

However, if your answers are vague or your delivery is poor, the interviewer is more likely to ask more detailed questions, which can quickly lead you into an area you might not be comfortable with.
To avoid this practice, come up with detailed answers to the questions below, deliver your answers with confidence, and you will stand a good chance of getting the job!

1. Please introduce yourself

One of the most common ways a Japanese interview begins is with the phrase: 自己紹介をお願いします (jikoshoukai o onegai shimasu), which means “Please introduce yourself.” This is often the very first question, and your response can set the tone for the rest of the interview. In fact, many follow-up questions will be based on what you share in your introduction.

Another variation you might hear is:

これまでやってきたことを簡単に教えてください
Kore made yatte kita koto o kantan ni oshiete kudasai.
Please briefly tell me what you’ve done so far.

The best way to introduce yourself is with a short monologue about your work history and why you came to Japan. Japanese companies like to hear that their employees are enthusiastic about Japan, so try to give a few key points about what drew you to working in Japan. Other things you can mention for your self-introduction include:

Where do you come from, and what brings you to Japan
What you studied (if you are a new graduate) or your past work experience (if you are a mid-hire)

Avoid going on to talk about your personal achievements unless the interviewer or employer specifically asks for it. This can come off as arrogant for some, which is the last impression you’d like to leave on your interviewer before walking out of the interview room.

Check out an example of a self-introduction below!

Japanese	Romaji	English
はじめまして、ジョンと申します。アメリカ出身です。日本の文化が好きで、2020年に来日しました。2021年から楽天でフロントエンドエンジニアとして働いています。このポジションに応募したのは、プロダクトの成長に貢献したいと思ったからです。趣味はサーフィンです。どうぞよろしくお願いします。	Hajimemashite, Jon to moushimasu. Amerika shusshin desu. Nihon no bunka ga sukide, 2020-nen ni rainichi shimashita. 2021-nen kara Rakuten de furonto endo enjinia to shite hataraiteimasu. Kono pojishon ni oubo shita no wa, purodakuto no seichou ni kouken shitai to omotta kara desu. Shumi wa saafin desu. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.	Nice to meet you, my name is John. I am from the United States. I came to Japan in 2020 because I love the culture. Since 2021, I have been working as a front-end engineer at Rakuten. I applied for this position because I want to contribute to the growth of the product. My hobby is surfing. I look forward to working with you.

Keep in mind that interviewers aren’t just interested in your past. They want to see if your background aligns with what they’re looking for. If you’re a foreigner, this is also often your first chance to evaluate your Japanese language ability, so how you express yourself matters just as much as what you say.

Since this is a common question asked in most interviews, it is a good idea to practice your answers in advance with a native Japanese speaker. We also offer full training for job interview preparation through our Business Japanese Course.

Check out our complete guide to introducing yourself in Japanese for job interviews.

2. Why do you want to work here?

The interviewer might ask, “どうしてうちの会社(かいしゃ)で働(はたら)きたいんですか (doushite uchi no kaisha de hatarikitain desu ka)?”
This is your chance to show that you have done research on the company. Your answers should demonstrate that not only would you be a good fit for the role, but that the company can also benefit from your career objectives. Mentioning some recent updates about the company is also a good strategy to show that you can keep up with Japanese news.

The key here would be to try to draw a connection between how the company is performing versus how the economy is performing. From there, offer them ways you can add value to their company.
Japanese companies do not like to see large gaps in your work history. They also don’t like to see that you have switched companies frequently. If you do have large gaps between jobs or haven’t been able to keep a job for very long, prepare for some very good explanations in Japanese.

This would be since you would come off as someone who lacks commitment or wouldn’t want to commit to a job for very long. In turn, the interviewers may get turned off by the fact that you may not be able to last very long as an employee in their firm either.

3. Why did you leave your last company?

If you’re a mid-career hire—that is, you have previous work experience—you might hear the interviewer ask:
どうして前の会社を辞めたんですか？
Doushite mae no kaisha o yametan desu ka?
Why did you leave your previous company?

Another polite variation you might hear is:
前職を退職した理由は何ですか？
Zenshoku o taishoku shita riyū wa nan desu ka?
What is the reason you resigned from your last job?

Keep in mind that, although it’s becoming less common, many Japanese companies still highly value loyalty and uphold the ideal of lifetime employment. This is not a time to badmouth your previous employer, even if you did leave on undesirable terms!

Also, try to avoid exaggerating your performance or adaptability at your previous company. Your interviewers can simply conduct a background check on you by contacting your previous employer, which can make you look bad as an interviewee in general, so keep that in mind!
A better strategy, however, would be to use this question to talk positively about the company that you are interviewing. A safe answer would be that you enjoyed your time at your previous company and learned a lot, but you feel ready for your next career step and that the new company can offer many more opportunities.

Once again, remember that it isn’t so much about what you say but how you say it. If you deliver your answer smoothly and with confidence, it is less likely that your interviewer will ask you more detailed questions.

Here’s a table with polite, softened ways to explain why you left your previous company, turning the blunt reasons into positive or professional answers:

Honest Reason	Polite / Professional Explanation
I don’t get along with my manager.	I was looking for an environment where I could collaborate more effectively with my team and grow professionally.
I was working a lot of overtime and had too many tasks.	I wanted to find a role with a better work-life balance to maintain high performance and well-being.
The company did not treat employees well.	I was seeking a workplace culture that better supports employee development and values open communication.
I was laid off due to company financials.	The company faced financial challenges that led to restructuring, and I am now looking for new opportunities to contribute my skills.

4. What do you want to do in your future?

This question is best answered by showing that your future career goals are something that you can build within the company.
For example, if you are a back-end engineer, your goal might be to become a full-stack engineer, and this is something that you can accomplish within the company you are interviewing for. Think of answers that can demonstrate that over time, by developing your skills, you can become a more valuable employee to the company. In short, try to keep your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based.

Example question:

将来どんな仕事をしていきたいですか？
Shourai donna shigoto o shite ikitai desu ka?
What kind of work do you want to do in the future?

5. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

A classic question you’ll often hear in job interviews is:

あなたの長所・短所を教えてください
Anata no chousho / tansho o oshiete kudasai.
Please tell me your strengths and weaknesses.

Just like with your self-introduction, interviewers are usually less interested in the specific strengths and weaknesses and more focused on how you answer the question. It’s best to limit yourself to two or three strengths and weaknesses each, and explain them clearly.

Before your interview, prepare a few strengths that relate directly to the job you’re applying for. Also, think about some weaknesses, but be strategic. You want to mention some weaknesses to show humility and self-awareness, but choose ones that can also be seen in a positive light for the role. For example, avoid cliches like “I’m a perfectionist” as these can seem insincere.

A useful tip is to mention how you’re actively working to improve on your weaknesses. For example, you might say that you used to struggle with delegating tasks but have learned to trust your team more by encouraging brainstorming and collaboration.

6. What do you know about us as a company?

Now that you’ve nailed the easier questions, the interviewer will likely move on to more challenging ones. One common question is about what you know regarding the company. Many candidates stumble here because they don’t do enough research beforehand.

You might hear questions like:

弊社についてどんなことを知っていますか？
Heisha ni tsuite donna koto o shitte imasu ka?
What do you know about our company?

Other variations also include:

弊社のどのようなところに興味を持ちましたか？
Heisha no dono youna tokoro ni kyōmi o mochimashita ka?
What interests you about our company?”

While interviewers don’t expect you to recite the entire company mission or vision statement, it’s important to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework. For example, mention their position in the industry, recent achievements, or even your personal experience using their products or services.

Note: Note: You may notice the use of 弊社 (heisha) instead of the more general 会社 (kaisha) to refer to a company. Heisha is a humble term used to refer to one’s own company, especially in formal or business settings. This word choice reflects the Japanese cultural distinction between uchi (内) and soto (外), where one’s own company is considered part of the “inside” group. We discussed that concept more in our guide to Japanese keigo.

7. What Work Experience Do You Have?

今まで何の仕事しごとをしてきましたか?
Ima made nan no shigoto shi-goto o shite kimashita ka?
If you get asked what kind of jobs you’ve done until now, try to stick with relevant experiences.

This question is usually asked of those with full-time work experience, but even if you’re new to the field, don’t worry! You might still be asked. In that case, you can talk about your past jobs and highlight the skills you developed that could be useful in your next role.

If you’re a recent graduate, you can mention volunteer activities, participation in committees, or part-time jobs — anything that demonstrates your organizational or management abilities.

You can also bring up any side projects or freelance work you’ve done. Companies often appreciate this kind of experience because it shows your passion and initiative beyond formal employment.

Common Job Interview Vocabulary

You don’t have to memorize all of the questions we mentioned, but at the very least, it’s helpful to know some common words and themes that often come up during Japanese job interviews..

English	Japanese	Romaji
Self-introduction	自己紹介	Jikoshoukai
Educational background	学歴	Gakureki
Employment history	職務経歴	Shokumu keireki
One’s dreams	夢	Yume
Personality	性格	Seikaku
Experience	経験	Keiken
One’s merits	長所 / 強み	Chousho / Tsuyomi
Weaknesses	短所	Tansho
Please tell me…	～教えてください	Oshiete Kudasai
Reason for applying	応募動機	Oubodouki
Motivation	志望動機	Shiboudouki
Statement of purpose (written by applicants)	志望理由書	Shibouriyuusho
Hobby	趣味	Shumi
Skills	スキル	Sukiru
Fit with the company	会社に合うか	Kaisha ni au ka
Follow-up questions	フォローアップ質問	Forou appu shitsumon
Work experience	職務経験	Shokumu keiken
Case / Project	案件	Anken
Achievement	成果	Seika
Accomplishments	実績	Jisseki
Job duties	仕事内容	Shigoto naiyou

Tips to Answering Complex Questions: STAR Method

For more complex questions about your experience, use the STAR method, where you describing the Situation, your Task, the Action you took, and the Result you achieved.

Japanese communication is generally considered inductive, not deductive. The typical pattern in Japanese business and everyday communication is to build up context, background, and reasoning first, letting the conclusion emerge at the end.

Below are some of the most common questions you’ll be asked. The exact wording an employer uses may change, but the underlying principle behind each question stays the same.

Lead me through a decision-making process on a major project you’ve completed.
Have you ever had many different tasks given to you simultaneously? How did you manage these?
Give an example of a time you had to make a difficult decision.

Of course, these questions are situational. You may not be asked all of them, or any of them at all. Try to tailor your preparation by thinking of scenarios relevant to your specific role. For example, if you work in sales, you might be asked: “Describe a time you didn’t hit your sales target. What did you do?”

We recommend structuring your answers using the following format:

Situation: Describe the context, challenge, or problem you faced.
Task: Explain your responsibility or what needed to be done.
Action: Detail the specific steps you took to handle the situation.
Result: Share the concrete, quantifiable outcome of your actions.

Tips for Interviewing for a Job in Japan

According to Nippon, there are 2.6 million foreign workers in Japan as of October 2025, a rise of 11.7% from last year. This means the job market might be more competitive than ever. While your resume highlights your technical and hard skills, the interview is your chance to show who you are beyond the paper. It’s an opportunity for recruiters to assess your personality, communication style, and cultural fit. That said, the impression you make often starts before you even say a word: your posture, tone, and how you greet the interviewer can all speak volumes. Check out some of our recommended Japanese job interview etiquette tips to leave a positive mark.

1. Dress professionally for your interview

How formal you need to be depends on the company and industry. For example, if you’re applying for a tech-related role at a startup or an international company, you can usually dress more casually without needing a full suit and tie. However, for more traditional or client-facing roles like sales or customer service, formal attire is expected.

As a general rule of thumb, opt for a collared shirt and dress pants. For women, a clean blouse paired with slacks or a skirt that falls below the knee is a safe choice.

Outside of certain modern or international workplaces, Japanese companies tend to be conservative about work attire. That means avoiding anything too flashy or trendy. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a simple gray or navy suit, regardless of gender.

To avoid drawing the wrong kind of attention, make sure your appearance is neat, clean, and understated. Here are some key points:

Men: A clean-shaven look is still preferred (though this is becoming more relaxed). Keep your hair neat.
Women: Avoid flashy makeup, brightly colored hair, large accessories, long nails, or noticeable piercings. A tidy and professional appearance is best.
Tattoos: Tattoos are still often viewed negatively in Japanese workplaces, especially in traditional companies. If you have visible tattoos, like a full sleeve, it’s best to cover them during the interview.
Shoes: Low heels or simple flats are recommended for women. Men should wear clean, polished dress shoes or loafers.

We always recommend a clean, professional, and respectful look. Even if the company has a more relaxed dress code, showing that you’ve made the effort will leave a positive first impression!

2. Interview manners and etiquette

Good manners can go a long way in a Japanese job interview, and help you avoid unintentionally coming off as rude. While expectations vary by company, it’s best to follow standard etiquette, especially when interviewing with traditional or local firms.

For in-person interviews, be sure to arrive at least five minutes early (but not more than 10–15 minutes). Greet the receptionist politely and wait to be called in. When entering the interview room, knock and say “失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu),” which means “Excuse me,” and wait for “どうぞ (douzo)” before entering. Once inside, bow and apologize again for the interruption, then sit only when invited. Maintain good posture throughout! Sit upright and avoid leaning back, as a relaxed posture may be seen as disrespectful.

If your interview is online, be sure to join the meeting at least one minute early. Keep your background neutral—consider using a virtual background if needed, and avoid anything that might look unprofessional, like a messy bedroom. Dressing appropriately is still important, so wearing a collared shirt or blouse is a safe and respectful choice.

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More than just conversation practice, Coto offers an intensive, goal-oriented learning experience that equips you with the Japanese proficiency, confidence, and practical support needed to pursue work opportunities and build a successful life in Japan.

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FAQ

How do I prepare for a Japanese interview?

Research the company, practice common interview questions in Japanese, and learn proper business etiquette.

What is the common question in a Japanese interview?

A common question is “自己紹介をお願いします” (Please introduce yourself).

How to impress a Japanese interviewer?

Show respect through polite language and manners, demonstrate your knowledge of the company, and clearly explain how your skills fit their needs.

What are the 10 main interview questions?

They typically include questions about your strengths and weaknesses, reasons for applying, future goals, work experience, teamwork, problem-solving, overtime availability, and any questions you have.

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

In Japanese, just like any other language, saying “you” or addressing someone properly is one of the most important basics. However, there are multiple ways to address others, with many words that mean “you” in Japanese, and the trickiest part is using the right word in the right context while being polite and respectful.

While most of these words refer to one word, “you” in English, the wrong word can be considered rude or offensive in Japanese. That’s why it is important to understand what context is appropriate for addressing someone correctly. For example, you probably want to avoid calling your boss something like “darling” in Japanese.

But worry not! It’s not as overwhelming as it seems, so let’s find out how you can respectfully address others in Japanese!

Polite Ways to Say “You” in Japanese

1. 貴方 (あなた) Anata

Found in textbooks, あなた (anata) is the most basic word for ‘you.’ It is usually used by strangers who do not know the name or anything else about the person they are addressing. It can also mean “darling” when used by wives to address their husbands. Because of that, it is inappropriate to call someone you know あなた, such as your boss.

Directly referring to people as あなた can also come across as direct and rude. Japanese culture tends to value indirectness since it’s seen as less direct and more respectful. This might be why passive voice is more common in Japanese compared to English. So, the most respectful way to refer to someone is to drop the “you” altogether, but we will discuss how you can do that in a bit.

Note that the kanji, 貴方, is rarely used; usually it is written in hiragana as あなた.

2. 諸君 (しょくん) Shokun

諸君 literally translates to “you people,” which sounds a bit rude in English, so it more closely conveys something like “ladies and gentlemen.” It is a very polite way of addressing a group of people.

Casual Ways to Say “You” in Japanese

3. 君 (きみ) Kimi

Occasionally used to address others, 君 can be considered condescending if used in inappropriate situations. 君 is meant to be used by people of a higher status than those below them, such as adults to children and teachers to students. It can also be used to represent intimacy romantically, such as in 君の名は (Kimi no Na wa) Your Name, a romance anime. Thus, it is also a word used by couples.

4. お前 (おまえ) Omae

Commonly used between friends in informal situations, it is rude to address someone outside of your social circle お前. Being a masculine word, it is also used romantically by husbands to address their wives.

5. あんた Anta

A shortened form of 貴方, it is also considered less formal. Previously used to address people of a higher status, it is considered disrespectful today. Mostly used by women and people in a close social circle in informal conversations.

Rude Ways to Say “You” in Japanese (Should Avoid Saying)

6. 手前 (てまえ) Temae

This is a very rude word that is hardly used by anyone in real life, though it can be commonly found in Japanese media like manga and anime. You often see fictional characters use it to address others when they are angry or even want to insult them. You would rarely hear it being used in actual Japanese conversation, even in a heated argument.

If you do happen to use it, people might find it kind of funny or just out of place and think you watch too many cartoons. Overall, we wouldn’t recommend using this term at all.

7. 己 Onore

Similar to 手前, it is mostly seen only in Japanese media used to curse at others. However, depending on context, onore can also mean ‘oneself’ or ‘myself’.

8. 貴様 (きさま) Kisama

Even though it used to be a respectful term, it is now considered very rude to address someone as 貴様 and is mostly only used in Japanese media; you might recognize it from popular Japanese video game characters like Kazuya or Heihachi. It is an extremely derogatory word, often used by powerful villains or kings who think themselves above others.

Dialects

Different regions in Japan have their own dialects, and some words can have different meanings depending on where they are spoken. Here are some examples.

あんた Anta: In Kinki (Western Japan), it is a friendly and endearing word, but in Kanto (Eastern Japan), it is considered rude and insulting
わい Wai: Depending on the region, it can mean either ‘I’ or ‘You.’
自分 (じぶん) Jibun: Kansai dialect that means ‘You’ depending on the context. Originally, it means ‘I’.
きさん Ki san: Kyushu dialect that is a variation of 貴様 (きさま) but is considered less rude and not used against enemies

Most Common Ways to Say “You” in Japanese

Infographic showing different ways to say you in Japanese

In Japan, more often than not, people address each other through context where they completely omit pronouns such as “you”. It might be weird when translated into another language like English, but this is how Japanese is naturally spoken.

When people address each other, they do so using the other person’s name, title, or position. Many Japanese people use this in formal and informal conversations, depending on the context. Honorifics are added behind their names as a form of politeness and respect.

Besides “you”, there are other ways to say “I” or “myself” in Japanese, including ore, boku and watashi. Read our blog to find more: How to Refer to Yourself in Japanese

When in Doubt, Alternative Ways of Saying “You” in Japanese

Luckily, most Japanese people don’t use “you” as it’s often unnecessary, and it might be better not to since it can be seen as rather rude. So, when in doubt, just don’t say “you” at all.

Instead, here are a few easier ways to avoid unnecessary glares and question marks.

Use their honorifics

9. さん (San)

さん is an honorific title which translates to “Mr”, “Mrs”, “Miss”, and “Ms ” in English. It is a polite way to address someone and the most common since it is neutral and widely applicable to just about any situation.

10. ちゃん (Chan)

ちゃん (chan) is used by people familiar with one another. It communicates a sense of cuteness and is usually used to refer to young women, close friends, children, lovers, or pets. It’s generally used to express endearment to someone.

11. くん (Kun)

A male honorific is generally used to refer to men and by superiors addressing those below them. It is not a very polite honorific and is only used between men and women who are close.

Want to learn more about Japanese honorifics? Also, check out our more complete guide on Japanese honorific titles!

12. さま (Sama)

さま is the most formal honorific and is a higher version of さん. It is only used in specific situations, such as addressing Japanese deities or customers. It is a form of Japanese Keigo that is commonly used in the Japanese workplace.

Formal Japanese can be confusing and complex; so check out our guide to learn everything you need to know: Japanese Keigo ( Formal Japanese).

Addressing Someone with their First Name, Last Name, or Title

13. Last name

Using the last name alone is usually done in a casual and friendly context, such as between classmates. It is considered impolite to call someone by their last name alone; thus, honorifics are added. For instance, with your manager, it is better to use their last name along with the suffix, 〜さん (~san).

14. First name

First-name basis is considered a big deal to Japanese people. The rule of thumb is this: never address them by their first name unless they allow it. People usually use first names when they are family members, friends, or romantic partners. Among colleagues of the same level, usually a suffix is used, even if it’s 〜ちゃん (~chan), since using a first name alone can feel a bit cold.

15. Title

It is also common to address others by their titles, especially when you need to express respect to someone of higher status.

先生 (せんせい). Sensei isn’t just for teachers. Rather, view it as a title. Whenever you’re talking or addressing doctors, lawyers, authors, artists, or politicians, always add “sensei” after their last name.
先輩 (せんぱい). Use senpai to talk to your seniors, be it at school or the workplace.
社長 (しゃちょう) Shacho, which translates to president.

Conclusion: Addressing Others in Japanese Usually Doesn’t Involve “You”

In Japanese, it is often best to avoid saying “you” at all. It’s common in Japanese to omit certain words, especially subject terms like “you.” It may feel unnatural at first, but Japanese people will easily understand who you are referring to based on context. But in cases when referring to the listener is completely unavoidable, you can refer to their name with a suffix (san, sama, etc.) or title, especially when you want to show respect to the person you’re talking to!

Learning Japanese? Make It Easy with Coto Academy

Want to learn how to refer to others naturally like a native? Join Coto Academy to learn Japanese you won’t get from the textbook! Our courses immerse you in actual Japanese conversation that you would use in real life. We aim to have you develop an intuition for how natural language sounds and reads rather than just memorizing endless words and phrases.

Coto Academy is one of Japan’s leading language schools, with campuses in Shibuya, Yokohama, Iidabashi, Minato, and a fully online school. We offer flexible Japanese lessons, whether you’re looking for intensive, part-time, or online courses, so you can reach your language goals faster.

FAQ:

Is it rude to say "you" in Japanese such as "anata"?

Using words for “you” like anata can come across as direct and slightly rude in Japanese. The Japanese language tends to value indirect communication, so it’s better to avoid using “you” in Japanese. You can either drop the pronoun or just use the person’s name or title.

Does Kimi and Anata mean "you" in Japanese?

Yes, both kimi and anata both mean “you” in Japanese. Anata is seen as more neutral, whereas kimi is usually used by adults to address someone younger, like children. Kimi can also be used between couples.

What words should you avoid using for "you"?

You should generally avoid using the word お前 (omae), which is considered pretty rude but can be used playfully with friends you are close to. The terms 手前 (temae) and 貴様 (kisama) should never be used, since they are seen as extremely rude and rather cartoony or even embarrassing. They are rarely used in actual Japanese conversation despite how common they seem to be in anime and manga.

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Founded in 2000, Coto Academy is a top-rated Japanese language school in Japan dedicated to helping students succeed. Based in Tokyo and Yokohama, our dynamic Japanese lessons focus on useful, practical, and conversational skills that have helped thousands of residents navigate life in Japan with confidence and ease.

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Known for its youth culture, Shibuya offers plenty of entertainment and shopping options. Recommended for beginner and intermediate learners.

Mon-Thu: 9:00-21:00

Fri: 9:00-17:00

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Japanese lesson in Shinjuku, Tokyo's major commercial, entertainment, and shopping hub.

Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:00–18:00

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A comfortable neighborhood with easy access to business districts. Recommended for intermediate, advanced, and JLPT learners.

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A scenic port city known for its multicultural atmosphere and a beautiful waterfront. Recommended for all learners and families.

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With its its stylish boutiques, upscale dining, and cozy cafés, Minato is vibrant yet relaxed. Recommended for all learners and families.

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News & Resources

School News: Coto Japanese Academy to Open New Campus in Shinjuku in 2026

Coto Japanese Academy, one of Tokyo’s leading Japanese-language schools, is pleased to announce the opening of its fifth physical campus in Shinjuku, scheduled for April 2026.

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Coto Academy to Open Visa-Supported Japanese Language School in 2026

Coto Academy will launch Coto Institute, a Japanese language school focusing on long-term programs that can finally support student visa.

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Is Coto Academy Online Legit? How It Works & What We Do

If you’ve landed here, you’re probably wondering: “Is Coto Academy Online legit?” Don’t worry, we get it. When it comes to learning Japanese online, you want to be sure you’re investing your time and money wisely. Rest assured, we’re completely legitimate. But we also want to give you the full picture so you can feel […]

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FAQ

Where are Coto Academy Japanese language schools located?

Coto Academy currently has five physical locations in Shibuya, Iidabashi, Yokohama, Shinjuku, and Minato for in-person Japanese language learning in Japan. Check out:

Japanese lessons in Shinjuku

Japanese lessons in Shibuya

Japanese lessons in Yokohama

Japanese lessons in Iidabashi

Does Coto Academy offer student visa sponsorship?

At the moment, Coto Japanese Academy does not offer student visas for students interested in joining our programs, but our sister school, Coto Japanese Institute, does. This MEXT-approved school will allow us to issue student visas for overseas students. The intake periods are April and October.

Does Coto Academy offer evening Japanese class in Tokyo?

Yes, we offer evening Japanese classes in Tokyo for residents in Japan, including those on a working visa, spouse visa, family stay visa, or working holiday visa. These classes are perfect for working professionals who want to study Japanese after work.

Is it possible to study Japanese while working full-time?

We have flexible evening and weekend Japanese classes, making it easy to build fluency while maintaining your full-time work schedule.

Do you have intermediate and advanced Japanese classes?

Yes. Coto Academy offers intermediate and advanced Japanese lessons, including JLPT N2–N1, business Japanese, and conversation-focused classes. We support learners from beginner to advanced levels.

What is the difference between an intensive Japanese course and part-time Japanese classes in Tokyo?

Intensive courses run 5 days a week for fast progress. Part-time classes are held 1–2 times per week, with evening and weekend options, perfect for residents and working professionals.

What is the best Japanese language school in Tokyo?

Coto Academy is widely considered one of the top Japanese language schools in Tokyo. We offer conversation-focused courses for all levels, small class sizes, experienced teachers, and both in-person and online lessons.

Can I attend Japanese lessons online?

Yes, Coto Academy offers an entirely online Japanese language school! We have a platform where students can directly buy lesson points, book a class, and manage their schedule in one place.

Does Coto Academy offer private Japanese lessons?

Yes, Coto Academy offers private Japanese lessons in Tokyo, Yokohama, and online. You will learn with our professional Japanese teacher.

Does Coto Academy offer JLPT lesson?

Yes, Coto Academy also offers JLPT classes, held both in-person and online.

English	Japanese	Romaji
What kind of work do you want to do in the future?	将来どんな仕事をしたいですか？	Shourai donna shigoto wo shitai desu ka
What do you hope to achieve if hired?	採用されたら、当社で達成したいことは何ですか？	Saiyou sare tara, tousha de tassei shitai koto wa nan desu ka
What do you hope will happen in the next year?	一年後どうなりたいですか？	Ichi nengo dou naritai desu ka
What do you value when working in a team?	チームで働くときに大切にしていることは何ですか？	Chīmu de hataraku toki ni taisetsu ni shite iru koto wa nan desu ka?
How have you overcome difficult situations?	困難な状況をどのように乗り越えましたか？	Konnan na joukyou o dono you ni norikoemashita ka?
Are you able to work overtime?	残業はできますか？	Zangyou wa dekimasu ka?
Do you have any questions?	質問はありますか？	Shitsumon wa arimasu ka

Introduction to Japanese Keigo

The Concept of Uchi and Soto in Keigo

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?

English vs Japanese Formal & Casual Language

Keigo (敬語) vs Tameguchi (タメ口)

What is Casual Japanese or 普通対 (Futsuutai)?

Who Should You Use Casual Japanese With?

What is Formal Japanese or 敬語 (Keigo)?

1. 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) or Honorifics

When Do You Use Honorific Form?

2. 謙譲語 (Kenjougo) or Humble Forms

When Do You Use 謙譲語 (Kenjougo) or Humble Form?

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

FAQ

What is tameguchi?

What is keigo?

When should we use keigo?

When should you use formal or casual Japanese?

What is the difference between casual and formal Japanese?

How many levels of politeness are there in Japanese?

Is it rude to use casual Japanese in certain situations?

Using Keigo in the Japanese Business Environment

Common Keigo In Business

What Is Business Japanese?

Useful Japanese Business Phrases

1. よろしくお願い致します (Yoroshiku Onegaiitashimasu)

2. お世話になっております (Osewa Ni Natte Orimasu)

3. 承知致しました (Shouchi Itashimashita)

4. お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama Desu)

5. 失礼します (Shitsurei Shimasu)

6. 恐れ入りますが (Osore Irimasu Ga)

7. 差し支えなければ (Sashi Tsukae Nareba)

8. ただいま確認致します(Tadaima Kakunin Itashimasu)

9. ご存知です (Gozonji Desu)

10. 少々お待ちください (Shoushou Omachi Kudasai)

11. 〜頂きありがとうございます (Itadaki Arigatou Gozaimasu)

12. ご検討ください (Gokentou Kudasai)

13. 申し訳ないです (Moushi Wakenai Desu)

14. ご連絡ありがとうございます (Go Renraku Arigatou Gozaimasu)

15. 少しお時間よろしいでしょうか？(Sukoshi Ojikan Yoroshii Deshouka?)

Closing Thoughts

Want to Learn Business Japanese? Join Coto Academy!

FAQ

How is business Japanese different from standard Japanese?

How do you formally introduce yourself for business in Japan?

What is the term service staff say when you enter a store?

Do I need to use keigo with everyone I work with?

What does “Osewa ni natte orimasu” mean?

Japanese Polite Prefixes

Rules of Japanese Honorific Prefixes

Frequent Expressions

Start taking Japanese lessons and master Japanese honorific prefixes!

First, Watch Our Video on Survival Phrases for Your Trip to the Konbini

Japanese Convenience Store Phrases You’ll Hear

1. Welcome! いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase).

2. Do you need a bag? 袋はご利用ですか (Fukuro wa goriyou desu ka)?

**When Should You Not Use Tameguchi**?