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What is the meaning, etymology and usage of "ぽしゃる (posharu)"? Some points to keep in mind in business situations

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Have you ever heard the term "ぽしゃる (posharu)"? Have you ever used this term, especially in business situations? At first glance, it may not sound familiar, but "ぽしゃる" has a rich meaning used in certain situations.

In this article, we will explain the meaning and etymology of "ぽしゃる," how it is used in business situations, paraphrased expressions, and even some cautions when using it. Deepen your knowledge of business Japanese and take your communication skills to the next level.

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What does "ぽしゃる (posharu)" mean?

"ぽしゃる" is Japanese slang for a situation in which plans or schedules are cancelled or things do not go as planned. It is mainly used in business situations, when a project is set back or a goal is not achieved. The nuance behind this word is that what was hoped for is no longer feasible, or that some obstacle has caused a plan to fall apart.

ぽしゃる (posharu)" in English

If we were to limit the meanings of "ぽしゃる" to "中止する (to cancel)" and "壊れる (to break)", the following words could be used in English:

  • Abort: call off, abandoned, cancel
  • 中止する: break

Usage, example sentences, and etymology (origin) of "ぽしゃる (posharu)"

"ぽしゃる" changes in the same way as other "~ru" verbs. It is mainly used when a schedule or plan that has been made cannot be carried out, or when a plan that is being carried out is cancelled.

Below is an example sentence showing a specific usage of "ぽしゃる".

  • 計画がぽしゃった (The plan fell through)This is used when a scheduled project or event is cancelled for some reason.
  • 天候によっては計画がぽしゃりそう (The plan might fall through due to the weather)This term is used to describe a situation in which a planned activity may not be carried out due to external factors, such as worsening weather conditions.
  • こんな状況だと彼の計画はぽしゃるだろう (In this situation, his plan is likely to fall through): Used when a person's plans are unlikely to succeed because of the problems or obstacles he or she is currently facing.

Those who hear this word for the first time may be surprised to learn that it is part of the Japanese language. However, "ぽしゃる" is used in a variety of situations, including business situations.

The origin of the word "ぽしゃる (posharu)" is said to come from the French word "chapeau". The word "chapeau" is reversed to "posha" and then to "ぽしゃる" as a verb.

The word "chapeau", meaning "to take off one's hat," has turned from an act of respect to mean "to fail in one's plans" or "to give up. From this etymology, we can see that the word "ぽしゃる" also includes the nuance of giving up something.

Is "ぽしゃる (posharu)" usable in a business setting?

The word "ぽしゃる" can be used in business situations, but in doing so, consideration should be given to the situation and the relationship with the other party. The word is usually classified as slang and, although frequently used in everyday conversation, should be avoided in formal settings.

In a business context, "ぽしゃる" may be used when it is necessary to communicate a failure or interruption, such as when a plan or project is cancelled due to an unexpected obstacle. Especially among internal team members or close colleagues, this term can be used to share a situation in a relaxed atmosphere.

However, for supervisors, clients, or formal occasions, the use of "ぽしゃる" should be avoided in favor of more formal expressions. While slang is appropriate for intimate relationships and casual contexts, its use should be carefully considered in business settings to maintain professionalism.

In short, "ぽしゃる" is a useful word in business, but its use depends on the situation in which it is used and how well the person you are speaking to understands it. If a plan or project is about to go awry, it is important to pay attention to how you choose to communicate it.

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Japanese "ぽしゃる (posharu)" synonyms and paraphrases

Analogous and paraphrased expressions of "ぽしゃる" include the following words. These expressions are useful words that can be used when plans and schedules have gone awry.

  • つぶれる (to collapse/go bankrupt)
  • ダメになる (to become useless/fail)
  • なくなる (to disappear/be lost)
  • おじゃんになる (to come to nothing/fail)

An example sentence using these words is as follows

  • 計画がダメになった (The plan failed)
  • 天候によっては計画がつぶれそう (The plan might collapse due to the weather)
  • こんな状況だと彼の計画はおじゃんになるだろう (In this situation, his plan is likely to come to nothing)

These expressions, like "ぽしゃる," can be used when a plan or schedule has been frustrated. Especially in business situations, such expressions may be used to explain a situation when a project or transaction did not go as planned. However, it is important to consider the context and relationship with the other party when using it.

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summary

This article details the meaning and etymology of the term "ぽしゃる," its appropriate use in business situations, and paraphrased expressions. It is important to deepen your understanding of "ぽしゃる" as business Japanese and to consider its scope of application and context when using it in daily communication and business conversation.

This language will allow you to appropriately and effectively describe a situation when a project or plan does not go as planned.

If you would like to know more about ◆Business Japanese, please check out the following articles!

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