Casual vs. Business Japanese
Introduction
The Japanese language is as rich and complex as the culture it represents. It is not just a singular mode of communication but a tapestry of variations that cater to different social contexts, levels of formality, and regional influences. It is essential to understand the types of Japanese, including Keigo (polite language) vs. Hyojungo (standard Japanese), to enure proper Japanese is used in business contexts.
Hyojungo: The Standard Language
Hyojungo (標準語), also known as Standard Japanese, is the form taught in schools, used in official settings, and heard in national media. It serves as the standard form Japananese, ensuring mutual understanding among people from different regions.
Key Features:
- Grammar and Vocabulary: Hyojungo follows standardized grammar rules and uses vocabulary that is widely understood.
- Pronunciation: The accent and intonation are neutral, particularly modeled after the Tokyo dialect.
- Usage: This form is prevalent in formal education, governmental communications, and mainstream media like television and newspapers.
For learners of Japanese, mastering Hyojungo is often the first step, as it provides a foundation for understanding other variations.
Keigo: The Art of Politeness
Keigo (敬語), or polite language, is a cornerstone of Japanese communication. It reflects the cultural emphasis on respect and hierarchy, making it essential for formal and professional interactions.
Types of Keigo:
- Sonkeigo (尊敬語) – Respectful Language:
- Used to elevate the status of the person you’re speaking to.
- Common in addressing superiors, clients, or strangers.
- Example: Using いらっしゃる (irassharu) instead of いる (iru) for “to be.”
- Kenjougo (謙譲語) – Humble Language:
- Used to lower the speaker’s status in relation to the listener.
- Often employed when discussing one’s own actions or contributions.
- Example: Using 申し上げる (moushiageru) instead of 言う (iu) for “to say.”
- Teineigo (丁寧語) – Polite Language:
- A neutral form of Keigo used in everyday polite speech.
- Example: Adding です/ます (desu/masu) endings to verbs.
Keigo is indispensable in Japanese workplaces, customer service, and social interactions where formality is required. However, its complexity often poses challenges even for native speakers.
Japanese in Business: A Special Focus
Japanese business communication revolves around a precise and respectful use of the language, deeply rooted in cultural values such as humility, harmony, and an emphasis on indirectness to maintain relationships and avoid confrontation. Mastery of Keigo is particularly critical in this context, as it demonstrates professionalism and courtesy. Additionally, cultural values such as punctuality, indirectness, and humility play a pivotal role.
Business Email Etiquette:
- Start with a formal greeting like いつも大変お世話になっております (Itsumo taihen osewa ni natte orimasu).
- Use clear subject lines and a structured format.
- Double-check for proper grammar and honorific usage.
A survey showed that “Wording” is the number one focus whe people send emails. Using the right wording including the right form of Japanese is expected in Japanese business culture.
“Typo” ranked second. In Japan poor business standards breed skeptism and a lack of trust.
Conclusion
The Japanese language is a dynamic and multi-layered system that goes beyond mere communication. Understanding its various forms, from the structured Hyojungo to the nuanced Keigo, and business-specific usage, will ensure that you are using the appropriate Japanese in a business context: It is important to make sure that business-level and formal Japanese.
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