10 Polite Japanese Phrases to Use at Work (Nikhil Kun Recommends)
Speaking Japanese well enough to order food or chat with friends is one thing. But once you enter the Japanese workplace, things level up.
You’ll quickly realize that politeness and hierarchy shape every word you say. As an N1-certified Japanese speaker who’s worked and communicated with Japanese clients daily,
I can tell you learning polite expressions (敬語 keigo) isn’t just about grammar. It’s about respect, tone, and the ability to fit naturally into Japanese work culture.
So today, I’m sharing 10 polite Japanese phrases I personally use or recommend when emailing, joining meetings, or talking to coworkers.
Mastering these will instantly make you sound more confident, respectful, and native-like.
1. As We Told You…（お伝えした通り）
🗣️ Otsutae shita toori
This is Japan’s polite version of “as per my last email” but without sounding passive aggressive.
Nikhil Kun recommends using this phrase in follow-ups or reminders to sound professional, not pushy.
Example:
お伝えした通り、会議は午後3時に変更になりました。
Otsutae shita toori, kaigi wa gogo sanji ni henkou ni narimashita.
“As we told you, the meeting has been moved to 3 PM.”
2. Thank You For Your Time（お時間をいただきありがとうございました）
🗣️ O jikan o itadaki arigato gozaimashita
A classy way to say “thank you” after meetings or interviews. As someone who writes countless business emails, I personally use this line at the end; it always leaves a good impression.
Example:
お時間をいただきありがとうございました。資料をすぐにお送りいたします。
O jikan o itadaki arigato gozaimashita. Shiryo o sugu ni o okuri itashimasu.
“Thank you for your time. I’ll follow up with the documents shortly.”
3. Thank You For Your Kind Words（嬉しいお言葉ありがとうございます）
🗣️ Ureshii okotoba arigato gozaimasu
When someone compliments your work, this is how to accept it politely and modestly.
Nikhil Kun approves this one because it keeps you humble, an important part of Japanese business culture.
Example:
嬉しいお言葉をありがとうございます。これからも頑張ります。
Ureshii okotoba o arigato gozaimasu. Kore kara mo ganbarimasu.
“Thank you for your kind words. I’ll continue doing my best.”
4. I’m Sorry For The Inconvenience（ご無理を申し上げて申し訳ございません）
🗣️ Go muri o moshiagete moushiwake gozaimasen
When asking for a favor, this is your lifesaver phrase. It softens requests while showing empathy.
Example:
ご無理をお願いして恐縮ですが、会議を代わっていただけますでしょうか。
Go muri o onegai shite kyoshuku desuga, kaigi o kawatte itadakemasu deshou ka?
“I’m sorry to ask, but could you cover my meeting so I can handle an emergency?”
5. Just Sharing This For Your Reference（念のため共有させていただきます）
🗣️ Nen no tame kyouyuu sasete itadakimasu
A polished way to say “FYI” without expecting a reply. I often use this when sending updates or attachments to clients.
Example:
念のため共有いたします。最終版の資料を添付しました。
Nen no tame kyouyuu itashimasu. Saishuuban no shiryo o tenpu shimashita.
“Just sharing this for your reference. The final draft is attached.”
6. I’d Appreciate It If I Could Confirm（ご確認いただけますと幸いです）
🗣️ Go kakunin itadakemasu to saiwai desu
A super polite way to say “please confirm.” Nikhil Kun suggests using it instead of “check this” as it sounds much softer and more natural in Japanese business emails.
Example:
ご確認いただけますと幸いです。配送先の住所はこれで正しいでしょうか。
Go kakunin itadakemasu to saiwai desu. Haisou saki no juusho wa kore de tadashii deshou ka?
“I’d appreciate it if you could confirm if the delivery address is correct.”
7. Just A Quick Note To Keep You Updated（取り急ぎご連絡まで）
🗣️ Toriisogi go renraku made
I love this phrase; it’s short, formal, and shows respect for time. Nikhil Kun uses it for quick updates when more details will follow later.
Example:
取り急ぎご連絡まで。お客様が提案を承認しました。詳細は明日お送りします。
Toriisogi go renraku made. Okyakusama ga teian o shounin shimashita. Shousai wa ashita o okuri shimasu.
“Just a quick note. The client has approved the proposal. Full details tomorrow.”
8. Thank You For Your Continued Support（引き続きよろしくお願いいたします）
🗣️ Hikitsuzuki yoroshiku onegai itashimasu
A timeless phrase that’s practically the soul of Japanese business etiquette. Nikhil Kun always ends professional emails with this. It’s polite, warm, and shows teamwork.
Example:
引き続きよろしくお願いいたします。月例会議でお会いしましょう。
Hikitsuzuki yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. Getsurei kaigi de o ai shimashou.
“Thank you for your continued support. I’ll see you at the monthly meeting.”
9. I’d Like To Propose（〜を提案いたします）
🗣️ ~ o teian itashimasu
Perfect for suggesting new ideas in a respectful tone. As someone who often proposes campaigns to Japanese clients, I can confirm this phrase feels confident but humble, exactly what you need.
Example:
この資料を英語に訳すことを提案いたします。
Kono shiryo o eigo ni yakusu koto o teian itashimasu.
“I’d like to propose translating these materials into English.”
10. As You Pointed Out（ご指摘の通りです）
🗣️ Go shiteki no toori desu
When you’re corrected, this phrase helps you accept it gracefully without losing face. Nikhil Kun recommends it for email replies after a supervisor points out an error.
Example:
ご指摘のとおりです。予算の数字を修正する必要があります。
Go shiteki no toori desu. Yosan no suuji o shuusei suru hitsuyou ga arimasu.
“As you pointed out, the budget figures need adjusting.”
Final Thoughts
Learning keigo might feel like a maze at first, but once you start using these expressions daily, they’ll become second nature.
Whether you’re sending a polite email or joining your first Japanese meeting, these 10 phrases are your must-have toolkit.
As Nikhil Kun, an N1-certified Japanese speaker who’s made plenty of mistakes learning the hard way, I can confidently say once you master these, you’ll sound instantly more professional and culturally fluent.
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