Learn Business Japanese Effectively: Japanese Language Study Guide
Learning business Japanese is an essential step for students and professionals who want to work or build long-term careers in Japan. Unlike conversational Japanese, business Japanese (ビジネス日本語) requires a deep understanding of keigo (honorific speech), formal writing styles, workplace etiquette, and cultural communication. This guide will help you learn how to study business Japanese effectively and apply it confidently in real-world settings.
Understanding the Importance of Business Japanese
Business Japanese is more than just polite expressions. It represents professionalism, respect, and social harmony in Japan’s corporate culture. Using the right words and tone can influence how you are perceived by colleagues, clients, and superiors.
Why Business Japanese Matters
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Professional Advancement – Fluency in business Japanese can significantly increase job opportunities in Japan.
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Cultural Integration – It helps foreign professionals understand workplace hierarchy and social expectations.
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Effective Communication – Correct keigo and formal expressions reduce misunderstandings and show respect.
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Networking – Building trust and connections often depends on language precision and politeness.
Key Components of Business Japanese
To master business Japanese, you need to focus on several key areas that differ from daily conversation.
1. Keigo (敬語)
Keigo is the foundation of business Japanese and includes three main types:
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Sonkeigo (尊敬語) – Respectful language for superiors.
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Kenjōgo (謙譲語) – Humble language for oneself when speaking to others.
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Teineigo (丁寧語) – Polite forms used in general conversation.
Example:
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Standard: 「聞きます」 (kikimasu – to ask)
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Humble: 「伺います」 (ukagaimasu)
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Respectful: 「お聞きになります」 (okiki ni narimasu)
2. Business Vocabulary
Common terms include:
3. Formal Writing
Business writing in Japan uses specific structures and phrases. For example, business emails often start with seasonal greetings and close with formal expressions of gratitude.
Example:
4. Non-Verbal Communication
Understanding gestures, silence, and bowing is also part of business communication. Respectful body language reinforces what you say verbally.
Study Strategies for Learning Business Japanese
1. Build a Strong Foundation
Before diving into keigo, ensure your basic grammar and vocabulary are solid. JLPT N3 or higher is typically required to handle business-level content effectively.
2. Learn from Real Business Materials
Use authentic sources such as:
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Japanese company websites
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Email templates
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Business news articles (Nikkei, NHK Biz)
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Podcasts and YouTube channels about Japanese work culture
These materials expose you to real corporate communication styles.
3. Take Business Japanese Courses
Many language schools in Japan offer specialized business Japanese programs. These often include role-plays, case studies, and interview practice. Examples include:
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The Business Japanese Program at Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute
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JLPT + Business Course at Kudan Institute of Japanese Language & Culture
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Corporate Japanese Training at Human Academy
4. Practice with Native Professionals
Participate in language exchange programs or online platforms such as HelloTalk, where you can communicate with Japanese professionals. This helps refine your speaking style and understanding of workplace expressions.
5. Study Keigo through Context
Memorizing keigo forms is difficult without context. Use practical scenarios such as phone calls, meetings, or customer service dialogues.
Example:
6. Watch Business Dramas and News
Shows like Hanzawa Naoki or Shitamachi Rocket can expose you to real business dialogues and attitudes. Meanwhile, NHK Business News provides listening practice and industry vocabulary.
Tips for Mastering Business Japanese Etiquette
Language alone is not enough. Japanese business culture has unique etiquette that foreign professionals must follow.
1. Exchanging Business Cards (名刺交換)
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Present your card with both hands.
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Bow slightly when giving or receiving a card.
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Read the other person’s card carefully before putting it away respectfully.
2. Dress and Appearance
Conservative clothing, minimal accessories, and neat grooming are essential. Men usually wear dark suits; women often wear formal blouses or jackets.
3. Punctuality
Being on time is a must. Arriving even five minutes late can be viewed as disrespectful.
4. Communication Style
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Be indirect when declining or disagreeing.
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Avoid confrontation or overly assertive statements.
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Use soft expressions such as 「少々難しいかと思います」 (“That might be a bit difficult.”)
Recommended Study Materials and Resources
Textbooks
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新・にほんご敬語トレーニング (Shin Nihongo Keigo Training)
Focuses on keigo usage with dialogues and exercises.
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Business Japanese Text (AJALT)
Widely used in corporate training programs.
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日本語ビジネスメールの書き方
Teaches proper email writing for business contexts.
Online Resources
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NHK Easy Business Japanese
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Marugoto Business Japanese e-learning
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YouTube Channels: Business Japanese with Ako Sensei, Learn Japanese with Yuko Sensei
Mobile Apps
How to Prepare for the BJT (Business Japanese Test)
The Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) evaluates your practical communication skills in business situations. It covers listening, reading, and situational judgment.
BJT Study Tips
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Focus on understanding keigo usage and workplace contexts.
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Practice listening to formal business Japanese (NHK Biz, Japanese news radio).
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Study example questions from the official BJT website.
A score above 480 (Level J2) is generally considered business-level proficiency for job applications.
Integrating Business Japanese into Your Career
Once you have reached intermediate to advanced Japanese proficiency, start applying your skills in real-world contexts.
Internship Opportunities
Join Japanese companies as an intern to gain firsthand experience in meetings, reports, and customer interactions.
Job Hunting in Japan
Prepare for job interviews by practicing:
Use polite and confident language throughout your interview.
Networking and Professional Growth
Attend business seminars, language exchange events, or alumni gatherings. Every interaction is a chance to improve your communication skills and expand your network.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overusing Keigo – Using keigo incorrectly can sound awkward. Simplicity is better than forced politeness.
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Ignoring Cultural Nuances – Even correct words can sound rude if used in the wrong context.
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Literal Translation from English – Business Japanese has unique expressions that don’t translate directly.
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Lack of Consistency – Use the same politeness level throughout a conversation to avoid confusion.
Conclusion
Learning business Japanese effectively requires both linguistic and cultural understanding. It’s not just about memorizing polite words, but mastering how to communicate respectfully, confidently, and naturally in a professional environment. Whether your goal is to work in Japan, study at a Japanese university, or collaborate with Japanese companies abroad, improving your business Japanese will open countless opportunities for success.
By combining structured study, authentic practice, and cultural awareness, you’ll be well-prepared to thrive in Japan’s dynamic business world.
FAQs
What is business Japanese and how is it different from everyday Japanese?
Business Japanese (ビジネス日本語) is the formal register used in professional settings. It emphasizes keigo (honorifics), fixed email formulas, indirect phrasing, and culturally appropriate etiquette. While everyday Japanese relies on casual or polite forms (teineigo), business Japanese requires consistent use of humble speech (kenjōgo) for yourself and respectful speech (sonkeigo) for others, plus set phrases for calls, meetings, and documents.
Do I need to master keigo before applying for jobs or internships?
No, but you should reach a stable intermediate base (JLPT N3–N2) and be comfortable with common keigo patterns used in interviews, emails, and greetings. You can continue refining advanced keigo on the job. Employers value clarity, consistency, and a respectful attitude even more than rare honorific forms.
Which keigo forms are essential to learn first?
Prioritize frequent verbs and set phrases: いたします (do humbly), 伺います (ask/visit humbly), 拝見します (see/read humbly), 承知しました (understood), and respectful constructions like ご確認いただけますと幸いです (we would appreciate your confirmation). Learn templates for “request,” “apology,” and “thanks,” as these cover most workplace exchanges.
What is the best way to study business email writing?
Use model emails and transform them systematically. Practice a standard structure: greeting (いつもお世話になっております), brief purpose, key facts in short sentences or bullet points, call to action (ご確認のほどよろしくお願いいたします), and courteous closing. Keep subject lines factual (e.g., “打合せ日程のご相談”). Build a personal phrase bank and recycle it.
How should I prepare for a Japanese job interview in terms of language?
Memorize a concise, structured self-introduction (自己紹介) using polite forms, then rehearse answers for motivation (志望動機), strengths/weaknesses, and project examples with the STAR method. Practice opening and closing phrases, controlled bowing, and phone/online etiquette. Record yourself to check speed, clarity, and keigo consistency.
What are common mistakes non-native speakers make in business Japanese?
- Overusing keigo or mixing levels within one message.
- Literal translation of English idioms, causing ambiguity or bluntness.
- Weak email subjects and long paragraphs without scannable structure.
- Forgetting acknowledgments, thanks, or apologies that soften requests.
How can I practice listening for business contexts?
Combine short, high-frequency input (news headlines, company updates) with longer materials (business podcasts, panel discussions). Shadow 1–2 minutes daily using formal audio, focusing on intonation and set phrases found in meetings and negotiations. Gradually add industry-specific jargon relevant to your target role.
What resources should I use for structured study?
Choose one keigo workbook for patterns, one business email guide for templates, and one graded news source for input. Add a spaced-repetition deck for verbs, counters, and fixed formulas. Limit resources to avoid overload; depth with feedback beats breadth.
How do I adapt my speech for hierarchy and client-facing situations?
Default to polite forms, then adjust: raise respect for the listener (client or senior) and lower humility for yourself. When referring to your company to outsiders, use humble terms (弊社), and use respectful terms (御社) for the client. Inside your company, match the team’s norm while remaining courteous.
What are practical strategies for learning phone and meeting language?
Create scripts for recurring actions: transferring calls, taking messages, rescheduling, and confirming details. In meetings, prepare stock phrases to propose, clarify, soften disagreement, and summarize. Use checklists: agenda phrase, turn-taking cues, confirmation, and follow-up commitments.
How can I build vocabulary efficiently for my industry?
Mine job descriptions, company press releases, and product pages for keywords. Organize terms into micro-decks by function: sales, logistics, finance, engineering, HR. Add short example sentences in keigo. Rehearse “mini-pitches” that weave the terms into natural delivery.
How should I handle disagreement or making a negative response?
Use softeners and alternatives: instead of a direct “no,” try “少々難しいかと存じます,” followed by a constructive option. Provide reasons briefly, offer a next step, and invite confirmation. Indirectness signals respect without obscuring the message.
What etiquette rules matter most besides language?
Punctuality, neat dress, careful business card exchange (名刺交換), and attentive listening. Avoid interrupting; acknowledge and build. After meetings, send concise minutes and action items promptly. Reliability reinforces your linguistic politeness.
Is the BJT (Business Japanese Test) useful, and how do I prepare?
Yes. The BJT measures practical comprehension and situational judgment. Target a balanced routine: daily keigo drills, weekly email writing, and timed reading/listening sets. Review official samples and simulate test conditions to stabilize pace and accuracy.
How can I integrate learning into my workday?
Use “micro-practice”: one email rewrite, one 60-second shadowing set, one call script rehearsal, and one vocabulary micro-deck—each under five minutes. Track wins (phrases used successfully) and convert real feedback into flashcards and templates.
What does a simple improvement loop look like?
- Draft (email or script) with a template.
- Check keigo level, subject clarity, and request/action line.
- Read aloud for tone and timing; shorten sentences.
- Send or present; note feedback and miscommunications.
- Update your phrase bank and deck the same day.
How long until I can operate comfortably in business Japanese?
With an N3–N2 base, 8–12 weeks of targeted practice can deliver solid email and meeting competence if you study daily in short, focused blocks. Continued exposure on the job will polish nuance; consistency matters more than marathon sessions.
Japanese Language Study Guide: Learn Japanese in Japan and Online
