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

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

In the world of business and professional interactions, language serves as a bridge connecting individuals and cultures. Understanding workplace and business terminology in Japanese is essential for navigating the corporate landscape in Japan. Whether you’re planning to work in Japan, collaborate with Japanese companies, or simply want to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture, mastering these terms will significantly enhance your communication skills. In this lesson, we will equip you with the vocabulary necessary to introduce yourself and others in a professional context, as well as familiarize you with basic terminology used in business settings.

In this lesson, we will cover the following structure:

Introduction

In a globalized world, proficiency in the Japanese language opens doors to numerous opportunities. From greeting a colleague to participating in a business meeting, knowing the right words and phrases is crucial. This lesson focuses on essential vocabulary that you can apply in various workplace scenarios. We will explore:

• How to introduce yourself and others

• Key business terms and phrases

• Practical exercises to reinforce your learning

By the end of this lesson, you will feel more confident in your ability to interact in a Japanese business environment. Let’s dive in!

Introducing Yourself

Let’s start with how to introduce yourself. In a professional setting, it’s important to present yourself clearly and respectfully. Here are some key phrases:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
わたしは[Your Name]です。	watashi wa [Your Name] desu.	I am [Your Name].
[Your Name]ともうします。	[Your Name] to moushimasu.	My name is [Your Name]. (formal)
よろしくお願いします。	yoroshiku onegaishimasu.	Nice to meet you.

When introducing yourself, you should follow these steps:

1. Start with your name using either “わたしは[Your Name]です” or “[Your Name]ともうします”.

2. Conclude with “よろしくお願いします” to express your wish for a good relationship.

Introducing Others

After introducing yourself, you may need to introduce others. Here’s how to do that properly:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
こちらは[Name]さんです。	kochira wa [Name]-san desu.	This is [Name].
[Name]さんを紹介します。	[Name]-san o shoukai shimasu.	I would like to introduce [Name].

When introducing someone else, you may use the following steps:

1. Use “こちらは[Name]さんです” to present the person.

2. Optionally, you can say “[Name]さんを紹介します” if you are formally introducing them.

Basic Business Vocabulary

Now that we’ve covered introductions, let’s explore some essential business vocabulary. This terminology will help you navigate various workplace situations effectively.

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
会社	kaisha	company
社長	shachou	president (of a company)
部長	buchou	department head
同僚	douryou	colleague
会議	kaigi	meeting
提案	teian	proposal
契約	keiyaku	contract
取引先	torihikisaki	client
業務	gyoumu	business operations
予算	yosan	budget
給料	kyuuryou	salary
資料	shiryou	document/material
進捗	shinchoku	progress
目標	mokuhyou	goal
連絡	renraku	contact
確認	kakunin	confirmation
計画	keikaku	plan
責任	sekinin	responsibility
評価	hyouka	evaluation
競争	kyousou	competition
成果	seika	result

This vocabulary covers various aspects of business life in Japan, from roles within a company to key activities and documents. Familiarizing yourself with these terms will help you feel more at ease in professional conversations.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have introduced some vital vocabulary, let’s practice what we’ve learned! Here are ten exercises to help reinforce your knowledge:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate vocabulary words from the lists above.

1. わたしは[Your Name]です。わたしの____は[Your Company]です。

2. 私の____は田中です。

3. 会議が____から、出席してください。

4. 彼は____ですので、信頼できます。

5. この____は重要です。

Solutions:

1. 会社 (kaisha)

2. 同僚 (douryou)

3. あります (arimasu)

4. 上司 (joushi)

5. 提案 (teian)

Exercise 2: Matching Terms

Match the Japanese terms to their English translations.

| Japanese Term | English Translation |

|---|---|

| 1. 社長 | a. meeting |

| 2. 部長 | b. budget |

| 3. 会議 | c. president |

| 4. 予算 | d. department head |

Solutions:

1 - c, 2 - d, 3 - a, 4 - b

Exercise 3: Role Play

Pair up with a partner and create a dialogue using the vocabulary learned in this lesson. You can introduce yourselves and discuss your roles in a company.

Exercise 4: Create a Business Card

Using your name and the company you would like to represent, create a mock business card in Japanese. Include your title and contact information.

Exercise 5: Vocabulary Quiz

Translate the following English terms into Japanese.

1. colleague

2. proposal

3. contract

4. client

5. salary

Solutions:

1. 同僚 (douryou)

2. 提案 (teian)

3. 契約 (keiyaku)

4. 取引先 (torihikisaki)

5. 給料 (kyuuryou)

Exercise 6: Sentence Construction

Construct sentences using the following vocabulary words: 進捗 (shinchoku), 目標 (mokuhyou), and 責任 (sekinin).

Exercise 7: True or False

Determine if the following statements are true or false based on the vocabulary learned.

1. 会社 means "company." (True)

2. 部長 is the term for "client." (False)

3. 給料 refers to "salary." (True)

Exercise 8: Group Discussion

In small groups, discuss the importance of having clear communication in the workplace. Use vocabulary from this lesson.

Exercise 9: Write a Short Essay

Write a short essay (100-200 words) about your ideal job in Japanese, using at least five vocabulary words from this lesson.

Exercise 10: Vocabulary Flashcards

Create flashcards for each new vocabulary word. Practice with a partner by quizzing each other.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have taken important steps towards mastering basic workplace and business terminology in Japanese. Remember to practice introducing yourself and others, and familiarize yourself with the vocabulary we covered today. Consistent practice will strengthen your confidence and fluency in professional conversations.

Keep these terms handy as you continue your learning journey, and don’t hesitate to revisit this lesson whenever you need a refresher. The world of business in Japan is rich and rewarding, and with the right language skills, you can navigate it successfully.

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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