Ten commonly mistaken business honorifics! Japanese to watch out for in job hunting and at work

update date 2024/04/09

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"了解しました (Understood)" "なるほどですね (I see)" "大丈夫です (It's okay)"

You hear these words frequently in everyday conversation as well as in business situations. In particular, new workers and job hunters may have used them casually in conversations with their bosses, seniors, or interviewers. However, did you know that the usage of these words may actually be incorrect?

Using proper honorifics is very important for smooth communication. Especially in business situations, you need to pay close attention to your language so as not to be rude to others.

If you use the wrong honorifics, you may give the other person the impression that you are rude, or you may reveal your lack of education.

In this issue, we will explain the correct use of honorific expressions that are necessary for smooth and appropriate communication in business situations. Please review your daily use of honorifics with reference to the example sentences introduced hereafter.

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10 Business Honorifics Commonly Mistaken at Work and in Job Hunting

In business situations, it is required to use appropriate honorifics. Those who are new to the workforce or students seeking employment may feel uneasy about how to use honorific expressions. In fact, many people in the business world use honorifics incorrectly.

For example, there are many cases where people use incorrect honorific language due to not understanding the subtle nuances, such as the difference between "御社" and "貴社" (both meaning "your company"), or between "拝見する" (to humbly look at) and "拝読する" (to humbly read).

Since incorrect use of honorifics can greatly affect the impression one makes on others, learning the correct use of honorifics is an essential skill for businesspeople.

Let's take a look at some specific examples of commonly mistaken honorifics. The following 10 examples are words that you often hear in business situations, but may actually be used incorrectly. Let's understand the correct usage of these words and make use of them in business situations.

Error-prone business honorifics (1)了解しました

"了解しました" (I understand) is one of the phrases often heard in business settings. Many people may use this phrase when receiving instructions or explanations from superiors or seniors.

However, the word "了解" is not appropriate to use with people of higher status. "了解" is a word used for [people of equal status or those below you]. Using "了解しました" with superiors or seniors may be too casual as honorific language and could be considered disrespectful.

So, what words should be used with superiors? Instead of "了解," it's appropriate to use "承知いたしました" or "かしこまりました." These words give a polite and respectful impression.

For example, if your superior instructs you, "Please complete this document by the end of today," instead of replying "了解しました," try saying "承知いたしました。必ず今日中に完成させます" (I understand. I will certainly complete it by the end of today). This should convey respect to the other person and leave a good impression.

Error-prone business honorifics (2) なるほどですね

"なるほどですね" is often used in business settings as a way to show understanding of someone's explanation or opinion. It is particularly common in important situations such as job interviews or business negotiations with clients.

However, "なるほど" is not inherently an honorific expression. "なるほど" is a word used when you listen to someone's explanation and come to your own understanding or gain deeper insight. In other words, "なるほど" is an expression that conveys your own level of comprehension.

Therefore, using "なるほどですね" might give the impression that you're only superficially agreeing without fully understanding the other person's point. This could be particularly problematic in important business negotiations or interviews, where it might leave an unfavorable impression on the other party.

So, what words should be used instead of "なるほど"? An appropriate approach is to paraphrase the other person's explanation while showing understanding. For example, saying "I see, so you mean ○○, correct?" demonstrates that you have listened carefully and understood what the other person has said.

Moreover, instead of simply saying "なるほど," it can be effective to add words that move the conversation forward, such as "I see. Then, could you tell me about the next point?" This demonstrates that you've understood the other person's explanation and are ready to move on to the next action.

Error-prone business honorifics (3)大丈夫です

"大丈夫です" is a phrase frequently used in both business settings and daily conversations. It's often used to mean "There's no problem" or "It's alright," especially when a superior or senior colleague checks on the progress of work, or when responding to an inquiry from a client.

However, "大丈夫です" is actually considered casual language and is said to be inappropriate for use in business settings. Especially when used with superiors, saying "大丈夫です" might give an impression of being careless or overly casual.

So, what words should be used instead of "大丈夫です"? In business settings, more polite expressions are required. For example, try to use more formal phrases like "問題ございません" (There is no problem) or "別段問題はございません" (There is no particular issue). It's important to be mindful of using proper language.

Also, when you receive an inquiry from your supervisor or business partner, it is important to explain the specific situation, rather than simply saying, "This is 大丈夫. For example, "We have already taken care of the points you mentioned. We will send you a corrected version by the end of the day, and we would appreciate it if you could check it," etc. This shows that you are sincere in responding to their inquiry.

While "大丈夫です" is fine to use in conversations among friends, we should be careful not to use it in business settings. It's important to be mindful of using polite language that won't be disrespectful to others.

Error-prone business honorifics (4)お座りりください

"お座りください" (Please have a seat) is a phrase often used when asking visitors to be seated. It's particularly common in the service industry. However, it's said that using "お座りください" is actually not appropriate when addressing superiors or those of higher status.

The reason for this is that the word "お座り" was originally used for animals. For example, it's commonly used when telling a dog to "sit." Therefore, using "お座りください" with people might give the impression that you're looking down on them.

So, what words should be used instead of "お座りください"? When asking visitors to be seated, it's appropriate to use phrases like "お掛けください" or "こちらにお掛けください" (Please have a seat here). "お掛けください" is a polite and respectful way of speaking that gives a courteous impression.

Furthermore, when offering a seat to superiors or clients, use even more polite expressions such as "こちらへどうぞ" or "こちらのお席へどうぞ" (Please, this way to your seat).

Easy-to-Mistake Business Honorifics (5) 御社 and 貴社

"御社" (onsha) and "貴社" (kisha) are terms frequently used in business settings. Both are honorific expressions referring to the other party's company, but they are said to have different usage.

"御社" (onsha) is a term used by one's own company to refer to the other party's company. For example, it is used when referring to the other company from the perspective of one's own company, as in "Your company's products are known for their high quality and good reputation."

On the other hand, "貴社" (kisha) is a term used by the other party's company to refer to one's own company. For example, it is used when the other company refers to your company from their perspective, as in "We always appreciate your company's response."

In other words, in business settings, it is common to refer to the other party's company as "御社" (onsha) and one's own company as "弊社" (heisha) from the perspective of one's own company.

Error-prone Business Honorifics (6) 拝見する and 拝読する

"拝見する" and "拝読する" are words frequently used in business settings. Both are known as polite expressions, but they are said to have different usages.

"拝見する" is used when looking at actual objects. For example, "拝見する" is used when visually confirming product samples or design drawings. On the other hand, "拝読する" is used when reading documents. For example, "拝読する" is used when reading emails, reports, or proposal documents.

In particular, it's easy to make mistakes with wording when confirming attachments in email exchanges. When opening and checking the contents of an attached file, "拝読する" is appropriate. Using "拝見する" might give the impression that you've seen the actual physical object.

Error-prone business honorifics (7) よろしくお願いします

"よろしくお願いします" is one of the phrases frequently used in business settings. It's often used particularly when greeting someone for the first time or making a request. However, it's said that using "よろしくお願いします" casually with superiors can be considered disrespectful in some cases.

The reason for this is that "よろしくお願いします" can give a somewhat casual impression. More polite language is required when addressing superiors.

So, what words should be used instead of "よろしくお願いします"? When addressing superiors, it's appropriate to use more polite expressions such as "よろしくお願い申し上げます" or "何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます". These phrases can show respect to the other person and leave a good impression.

Error-prone business honorifics (8) 申し訳ございません

"申し訳ございません" is one of the phrases frequently used in business settings. It's often used particularly when apologizing. However, it's said that using "申し訳ございません" casually for minor mistakes or etiquette breaches is not appropriate.

The reason for this is that "申し訳ございません" can give a formal impression. When used for minor mistakes or etiquette breaches, such a formal apology might be perceived as lacking sincerity.

So, what words should be used for minor mistakes or etiquette breaches? It's appropriate to use phrases like "失礼いたしました" or "不快な思いをさせてしまい、申し訳ございません". These expressions allow you to acknowledge your fault while showing consideration for the other person.

Error-prone business honorifics (9) ご苦労様です

"ご苦労様です" is one of the phrases often heard in business settings. It's particularly often used towards colleagues or subordinates. However, it's said that using "ご苦労様です" towards superiors or business partners is considered disrespectful.

The reason for this is that "ご苦労様" gives the impression of acknowledging the other person's efforts, but from a slightly superior position. More polite language is required when addressing superiors or business partners.

So, what words should be used instead of "ご苦労様です"? When addressing superiors or business partners, it's appropriate to use phrases like "お疲れ様です" or "いつもありがとうございます". These expressions allow you to acknowledge the other person's efforts while showing respect.

Error-prone business honorifics (10) ご確認ください

"ご確認ください" is one of the phrases frequently used in business settings. It's often used particularly in email exchanges when asking the recipient to confirm something. However, it's said that using "ご確認ください" towards superiors is inappropriate.

The reason for this is that "ご確認ください" can give a somewhat commanding impression. More polite language is required when addressing superiors.

So, what words should be used instead of "ご確認ください"? When addressing superiors, it's appropriate to use more polite phrases such as "ご確認いただけますと幸いです" or "お手数ですが、ご確認いただけますでしょうか". These expressions allow you to ask for confirmation while showing respect.

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summary

Using proper honorifics in business situations is very important for smooth communication. However, many words frequently used in everyday conversation are inappropriate in business situations.

In this article, we've highlighted 10 examples of honorific expressions that are often misused in business settings. Phrases like "了解しました", "なるほどですね", and "大丈夫です" are easy to use without thinking, but if used incorrectly, they risk giving a disrespectful impression to the other person. To use appropriate honorific language, it's important to correctly understand the meaning and usage of these words.

In business, a single word or phrase can determine whether or not a relationship of trust can be built. Be sure to treat others with respect and humility. By learning the correct use of honorific expressions, you will be able to communicate smoothly in business situations.

It is important to review your language on a daily basis and be conscious of using appropriate honorifics. Let's refer to the example sentences introduced in this article to learn the language that can be used in business situations.

In addition, if you would like to learn more about the use of honorifics and the situations in which they are used, please see the following articles

▶︎ List available! Explanation of the correct use of keigo in Japanese and the situations in which it is used, with example sentences.

In this article, we explain in an easy-to-understand manner, with a list and example sentences, how to use honorific expressions that are useful not only in business situations but also in daily life. Please refer to it and master the usage of honorific expressions.