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What does "忖度 (sontaku)" mean in business? Synonyms, English expressions, and example sentences for usage.

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A piece of paper with "忖度" written on it with a feeling

In the business world, many words are used that have meanings other than those found in the dictionary. One such word is "忖度 (sontaku). 忖度" is a word often heard in business situations, but surprisingly few people may correctly understand its meaning and usage.

This article is intended to provide a simple explanation of the meaning of the term "忖度". It will also introduce how to read it, thesaurus, English expressions, specific usage in business situations, and example sentences, so that you will have a good understanding of "忖度". By reading through the article, you will also learn about the importance of "忖度" in business communication and points to note.

Let's take a closer look at the meaning and usage of "忖度".

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How to read "忖度 (sontaku)" and what does it mean?

忖度" reads "そんたく" (sontaku).

The term "忖度" is often used in the following sense

  1. Speak and move with others' feelings in mind.
    Example: "I spoke with him to discern his feelings."
  2. Acting ahead of the other party's intentions and position by anticipating the other party's intentions and position.
    Example: "I changed the direction of the project by 忖度 my supervisor's intention."

Originally, "忖度" meant "to estimate the feelings of others," but in today's business world, it is increasingly used to refer to people who are too concerned about others and are unable to express their true opinions or make appropriate judgments.

What is the English expression corresponding to "忖度 (sontaku)"?

忖度" can be expressed in English as follows

  1. read between the lines
  2. think about how someone feels

read between the lines" is translated in Japanese as "read between the lines" or "read the air. It expresses the ability to understand the meaning of what the other person is saying.

On the other hand, "think about how someone feels" literally means "thinking about the feelings of the other person. It expresses the importance of thinking from the other party's perspective.

Analogies and Paraphrases for "忖度 (sontaku)

The following are some analogies and paraphrases of "忖度."

  • Ki o mawasu (ki o mawasu)
  • oshi hakaru
  • Ikuo o kumu
  • Consideration (hairyosuru)
  • Conscientious consideration (shinshaku suru)

All of these words imply acting with consideration for the feelings and position of the other party. It is important to choose the appropriate expression depending on the situation.

How to use "忖度 (sontaku)" in business situations, example sentences

忖度" is often used in the same way in business situations. Take a look at the following example sentences.

Example sentence 1: "We have made a slight change to the contract, 忖度 the intention of our business partner, Company A."
Example 2: "That person must be speaking 忖度 to his boss."

In these examples, "忖度" is used in the sense of "acting with the other party's intentions in mind. However, in today's Japanese business scene, there are fewer cases where "忖度" is used to describe acting purely out of consideration for the other party's feelings. Rather, the term "忖度" often contains a negative nuance.

Paraphrasing the "忖度 (sontaku)" example

Let's rephrase the previous example sentence without "忖度".

Paraphrased example 1: "We have made some changes to the contract to accommodate the wishes of our business partner, Company A."
Paraphrase example 2: "That person is probably speaking out of concern for his boss."

By replacing "忖度" with phrases such as "to get the intention" or "to be considerate," you can make your sentences more natural and favorable. The word "kumu" originally meant "to scoop water," but it has also come to mean "to consider the feelings of others" or "to be considerate.

Reference:What is kumu / pour (kumu)? Meaning, Reading and Usage Explained in an Easy-to-understand Way - goo Japanese Dictionary

Cases in which "忖度 (sontaku)" should not be used in business situations

忖度" should be used with caution, as it can create a negative impression if used incorrectly. It would be wise not to use "忖度" in the following situations.

Scene 1: Conversation with a business partner

I have 忖度 for you and this is what I quote you." I tell them, "I have done 忖度 for you, and this is what I estimate.

Scene 2: Conversation with a supervisor

I see that the department head is 忖度 to the president." He remarks.

Scene 3: Conversation with colleagues

She's acting 忖度 to the Chief, isn't she?" And gossip.

In these examples, "忖度" is used with a nuance of looking down on the other party, which is undesirable. In business situations, it is most important to respect others and communicate constructively. It is recommended that you refrain from using the term "忖度" and instead choose a more appropriate expression such as the analogues "I will take into consideration" or "I will take your intentions into consideration.

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summary

This article details the meaning and usage of the term "忖度," which is often used in business situations.

The term "忖度" means "to speak or move with consideration for the feelings of others," but in modern business situations it often refers to being too attentive to others to express one's true opinions. English expressions for "忖度" include "read between the lines" and "think about how someone feels," and analogues and paraphrases include "give attention to," "take into account," and "give consideration.

When using "忖度" in business situations, it is important to respect the other party and keep constructive communication in mind. Depending on how you use it, it may give a negative impression, so you should be careful.

Let's understand the meaning and usage of "忖度" and develop our ability to choose appropriate words according to the situation. By doing so, you will be able to communicate smoothly and achieve business success.

If you would like to know more about business Japanese, please refer to the following articles!

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