Business & Office

Learn essential N3 Japanese vocabulary for business and office settings. This guide covers key terms, useful phrases, and cultural nuances to help you communicate professionally.

Overview

To thrive in Japan's professional world, you need more than just conversational Japanese. It requires a firm grasp of business-specific vocabulary and polite expressions. This N3-level vocabulary guide provides essential terms and phrases used daily in Japanese offices and corporate settings.

Whether your goal is to work for a Japanese company, communicate effectively with colleagues, or simply deepen your understanding of the country's business culture, learning these words will be incredibly beneficial. The vocabulary here forms the foundation for professional communication, covering everything from managing projects and attending meetings to interacting with clients. Move beyond casual exchanges and confidently engage in the world of Japanese business.

Essential Words

Below is a list of essential N3-level vocabulary for business and office settings. Each entry includes the kanji, romaji, and English translation to help you learn effectively.

General Office & Environment

会社かいしゃ

kaisha

— company, corporation

仕事しごと

shigoto

— work, job, task

部署ぶしょ

busho

— department, section

会議室かいぎしつ

kaigishitsu

— conference room, meeting room

資料しりょう

shiryō

— materials, documents, data

日程にってい

nittei

— schedule, itinerary

People & Roles

上司じょうし

jōshi

— boss, superior

同僚どうりょう

dōryō

— colleague, co-worker

部下ぶか

buka

— subordinate

顧客こきゃく

kokyaku

— customer, client

担当たんとう

tantō

— person in charge; being in charge (of)

Communication & Tasks

メールめーる

mēru

— email

電話でんわ

denwa

— telephone, phone call

提出ていしゅつ

teishutsu

— submission, presentation

報告ほうこく

hōkoku

— report, information

企画きかく

kikaku

— plan, project, proposal

締切しめきり

shimekiri

— deadline

出張しゅっちょう

shutchō

— business trip

残業ざんぎょう

zangyō

— overtime work

経費けいひ

keihi

— expenses

請求書せいきゅうしょ

seikyūsho

— invoice, bill

Key Phrases

Beyond individual words, knowing common phrases is vital for communicating naturally and politely in a Japanese business setting. Here are some essential expressions you'll frequently hear and use yourself.

お疲れ様おつかれさまです。

Otsukaresama desu.

Thank you for your hard work (a common greeting/acknowledgement in the office).

少々しょうしょうお待まちください。

Shōshō omachi kudasai.

Please wait a moment (polite).

恐おそれ入いりますが。

Osoreirimasu ga.

Excuse me, but (polite way to begin a request or question).

承知しょうちいたしました。

Shōchi itashimashita.

Understood, I acknowledge it (polite acceptance).

ご確認かくにんいただけますでしょうか。

Gokakunin itadakemasu deshō ka.

Could you please confirm?

大変たいへん申もうし訳わけございません。

Taihen mōshiwake gozaimasen.

I am extremely sorry (very formal and polite apology).

お先さきに失礼しつれいします。

Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu.

Excuse me for leaving before you (when leaving the office before others).

提出ていしゅつ期限きげんはいつですか。

Teishutsu kigen wa itsu desu ka?

When is the submission deadline?

来週らいしゅうの会議かいぎは参加さんかできますか。

Raishū no kaigi wa sanka dekimasu ka?

Can you attend next week's meeting?

資料しりょうを作成さくせいします。

Shiryō o sakusei shimasu.

I will prepare the documents.

Cultural Notes

Understanding Japanese business etiquette and cultural norms is just as important as knowing the vocabulary itself. The Japanese workplace is characterized by a strong sense of hierarchy, known as 上下関係じょうげかんけい. Here, respect for superiors and elders is highly valued, which you'll notice in the extensive use of 敬語けいご (honorific language) in professional interactions. While N3 focuses on general polite forms, being aware of the broader context of 敬語けいご will certainly help.

Another crucial aspect is "Horenso" (報告ほうこく, 連絡れんらく, 相談そうだん), which translates to Report, Communicate, Consult. This management principle emphasizes constant communication within a team to keep everyone informed and address issues promptly. For example, you might frequently hear someone say 「進捗しんちょくを報告ほうこくします」 (I will report on the progress) or 「不明点ふめいてんがあれば相談そうだんしてください」 (Please consult me if you have any questions).

After-work socializing, often through 飲み会のみかい (drinking parties), also plays a significant role in team bonding and networking, though its prevalence is evolving. Finally, 名刺交換めいしこうかん (business card exchange) is a fundamental first step in formal introductions. Remember to present your card with both hands and receive theirs with respect, carefully examining it before putting it away.

Practice Tips

To truly master these N3 business and office vocabulary words, consistent and varied practice is essential. Begin by creating flashcards using tools like Anki, making sure to include the kanji, hiragana/katakana readings, romaji, and English meanings.

Instead of just memorizing isolated words, try using them in context. Craft your own sentences relevant to office scenarios—for instance, "プロジェクトの締切しめきりは来週らいしゅうです" (The project deadline is next week). Role-playing common business interactions with a study partner, or even practicing by yourself, can greatly help you internalize phrases and achieve natural delivery.

For authentic exposure, listen to Japanese business news, watch documentaries about Japanese companies, or explore job postings in Japanese. Seeing these words in their natural environment will reinforce your learning. Regularly reviewing the vocabulary and actively trying to incorporate it into your speaking and writing will deepen your understanding and significantly boost your confidence in professional settings.