Language/Japanese/Vocabulary/Basic-Workplace-and-Business-Terminology

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Japanese → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Family and Social Relations → Basic Workplace and Business Terminology

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on Basic Workplace and Business Terminology in Japanese! In this lesson, we will learn how to introduce ourselves and others in a professional setting, and we will explore the essential vocabulary and phrases that are commonly used in the workplace and business contexts. This lesson is designed for students who have completed the previous lessons of the "Complete 0 to A1 Japanese Course" and are familiar with basic Japanese grammar and vocabulary.

Throughout this lesson, we will provide numerous examples to illustrate each point, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of how to use the vocabulary and phrases in context. Additionally, we will delve into the cultural aspects of the Japanese workplace and business culture, sharing interesting facts and anecdotes that will enhance your understanding and appreciation of Japanese society. So let's get started and expand our Japanese language skills in the professional world!

Workplace and Business Vocabulary

Introducing Yourself

In a professional setting, it is essential to know how to introduce yourself properly. Let's start by learning some key phrases and vocabulary for self-introductions:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English Translation
私は山田です。	Watashi wa Yamada desu.	I am Yamada.
初めまして、田中と申します。	Hajimemashite, Tanaka to moushimasu.	Nice to meet you, my name is Tanaka.
ご挨拶が遅くなりました。私は鈴木と申します。	Goaisatsu ga osoku narimashita. Watashi wa Suzuki to moushimasu.	I apologize for the late greeting. My name is Suzuki.

Now, let's practice some self-introductions:

Exercise 1: Introduce yourself in Japanese using the phrases and vocabulary you have learned so far.

Solution: 私は佐藤です。初めまして、よろしくお願いします。 (Watashi wa Sato desu. Hajimemashite, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.) (I am Sato. Nice to meet you.)

Introducing Others

In addition to introducing yourself, it is important to be able to introduce others in a professional setting. Let's learn how to do that:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English Translation
こちらは田中さんです。	Kochira wa Tanaka-san desu.	This is Mr./Ms. Tanaka.
ご紹介します。こちらは鈴木さんです。	Goshoukai shimasu. Kochira wa Suzuki-san desu.	Let me introduce you. This is Mr./Ms. Suzuki.

Now, let's practice introducing others:

Exercise 2: Introduce the following people in Japanese:

1. Mr. Yamamoto 2. Ms. Takahashi

Solution: 1. こちらは山本さんです。 (Kochira wa Yamamoto-san desu.) 2. こちらは高橋さんです。 (Kochira wa Takahashi-san desu.)

Basic Workplace Vocabulary

To navigate the workplace and business environments in Japan, it is crucial to be familiar with the basic vocabulary used in these settings. Let's explore some essential words and phrases:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English Translation
会議	Kaigi	Meeting
社長	Shachou	President/CEO
部長	Buchou	Department Manager
社員	Shain	Employee
仕事	Shigoto	Work/Job
報告書	Houkokusho	Report

Exercise 3: Match the Japanese words with their English translations:

1. 会議 2. 部長 3. 社員 4. 報告書

a. Meeting b. Department Manager c. Employee d. Report

Solution: 1. a 2. b 3. c 4. d

Business Etiquette and Customs

In the Japanese workplace, there are specific etiquette and customs that are important to observe. Let's explore some of these cultural aspects:

1. Keigo (Polite Language): In business settings, it is customary to use polite language, known as "keigo," to show respect and maintain a professional atmosphere. This includes using honorifics and polite verb forms when speaking to superiors or clients.

2. Exchanging Business Cards: The exchange of business cards, or "meishi," is an essential ritual in Japanese business culture. When receiving a business card, it is polite to accept it with both hands, study it briefly, and then place it carefully in a cardholder or on the table in front of you.

3. Bowing: Bowing is a common form of greeting and showing respect in Japan. In a business context, it is appropriate to bow when meeting someone for the first time, when expressing gratitude, or when apologizing.

4. Punctuality: Being on time is highly valued in Japanese business culture. Arriving a few minutes early to meetings or appointments is considered respectful and shows professionalism.

5. Group Harmony: The concept of "wa," or group harmony, is significant in Japanese business culture. It emphasizes the importance of working together cooperatively and avoiding conflict or confrontation in the workplace.

Exercise 4: Match the following cultural aspects with their descriptions:

1. Keigo 2. Exchanging Business Cards 3. Bowing 4. Punctuality 5. Group Harmony

a. Using polite language to show respect in a professional setting. b. The ritual of exchanging business cards in Japanese business culture. c. A form of greeting and showing respect by bending at the waist. d. Being on time for meetings and appointments. e. Emphasizing the importance of working together cooperatively in the workplace.

Solution: 1. a 2. b 3. c 4. d 5. e

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have completed the lesson on Basic Workplace and Business Terminology in Japanese. You have learned how to introduce yourself and others in a professional setting, and you are now familiar with the essential vocabulary and phrases used in the workplace and business contexts. By practicing these skills, you will be better equipped to navigate the Japanese professional world and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.

Don't forget to review the vocabulary and phrases regularly to reinforce your learning. In the next lesson, we will continue to expand our knowledge of the Japanese language and culture. Keep up the great work!

Table of Contents - Japanese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Hiragana Basics

• Hiragana Reading and Writing Practice
• Introduction to Japanese Sentence Structure
• Particle は and が
• Verb Conjugation
• Noun and Adjective Modification
• Question Words and Phrases

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Greetings
• Introducing Yourself and Others
• Describing People
• Counting Numbers and Time
• Basic Food and Drink Terminology
• Daily Activities and Hobbies
• Basic Directions and Transportation

  ---

Geography and History

• Introduction to Japanese Geography
• Brief History of Japan
• Traditional Arts and Customs
• Popular Culture and Entertainment

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Conjugation
• Adjective Types and Usage
• Adverb Types and Usage
• Comparison and Superlative
• Adjective and Adverbial Modification

  ---

Family and Social Relations

• Family Members and Titles
• Social Etiquette and Expressions
• Basic Workplace and Business Terminology
• Shopping and Consumer Culture

  ---

Religion and Philosophy

• Shinto and Buddhism
• Zen and Samurai Culture
• Contemporary Spiritual Movements

  ---

Particles and Conjunctions

• Particles に and で
• Particles へ and を
• Particles も and しか
• Conjunctions and Compound Sentences
• Conditional and Hypothetical Sentences

  ---

Travel and Tourism

• Basic Travel and Tourism Vocabulary
• Famous Tourist Attractions and Landmarks
• Japanese Hospitality and Service Culture

  ---

Education and Science

• Educational System and Vocabulary
• Traditional and Modern Science and Technology
• Natural Disasters and Risk Prevention

  ---

Prepositions and Interjections

• Prepositions and Postpositions
• Emphasis and Intensification
• Exclamation and Impression Expressions

  ---

Arts and Media

• Film and Theater Terminology
• Music and Dance Terminology
• Art and Literature Terminology

  ---

Politics and Society

• Basic Political Vocabulary
• Social Issues and Controversies
• Japanese Business and Work Culture

Sources

• Business Japanese: Phrases You Need for Workplace Success
• Japanese Words - Basic Knowledge To Enhance Your Vocabulary
• 150+ Japanese Words and Phrases You Need to Start Speaking Now
• Japanese business meeting etiquette dos and don'ts | EHLION

Other Lessons

• Education
• Counting and Numbers
• Numbers
• Constellations
• Transport
• Basic Directions and Transportation
• Idiomatic Expressions
• Months of the Year
• 四季 (The four seasons)
• Health

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