Don’t Be embarrassed! Should remember [Business Naming] Before Starting Work

Japanese people often use naming differentiate between those used in everyday situations and those used in business. Failing to use the appropriate terms in a professional setting may lead to embarrassment. To avoid that situation, it’s important to understand these terms thoroughly. Here, I’ll highlight terms of naming commonly used in business situations.

First-person pronouns used in interviews

Japanese people used “watashi,” “boku,” “ore,” and “jibun” which are Common first-person pronouns. When it comes to important interviews, such as those for job hunting, more formal pronouns like “watakushi” and “jibun” are typically used to create a polite impression. So, which one is the correct choice to use?

“B : watakushi” is correct!

“Watakushi” can be used in all business situations and it gives a formal impression. Also, “watashi” is an easy-to-use term but has a slightly more casual feel.

Words referring to one’s own company

If you work at a company, you will have many opportunities to speak with clients during negotiations and meetings. When it comes to saying to your own company in such situations, which term should you use: “tosha” or “heisha”?

“B : heisha” is correct!

There are various terms to refer to one’s own company in Japan. However, we use the humble term “heisha” for addressing clients.

Words referring to the other party’s company

During the work, there are many occasions to speak with or exchange emails with clients. When referring to the other party’s company, Japanese people use either “onsha” or “kisha” to proceed with the conversation. In fact, these two terms are used differently depending on the situation. So, which is the correct to use in an email: “onsha” or “kisha”?

“B : kisha” is correct!

Actually, both “onsha” and “kisha” are respectful terms used to refer to the other party’s company. We use the formal “kisha” in emails and written documents. On the other hand, the colloquial “onsha” is preferred while in conversation.

Honorific titles for addressing colleagues in emails

There are cases when you need to email a colleague, and it will be difficult to decide which honorific title to use. Options include “san,” “sama,” or “dono,” among others. Now, if your colleague’s name is Yamada, which do you think is the correct choice: “Yamada-sama” or “Yamada-dono”?

“A : Yamada-sama” is correct!

“Sama” is an honorific title that can be used with anyone, both of which we can use in conversation and writing. “Dono” is only used in written communication. In personal correspondence, “dono” is traditionally used by a superior when addressing a subordinate. This rule is often misunderstood, and nowadays, some people consider it impolite to use “dono” in business contexts, so it may be best to avoid it. However, in official documents from government offices and agencies, “dono” is still commonly used.

How was that? It’s a bit complicated, but using the correct naming can help things go smoothly at work. Let’s take it step by step to remember them accurately.