Essential Japanese Business Expressions for Effective Remote Communication

Remote work has become a standard part of many professionals' lives, especially in Japan where clear communication is highly valued. Using the right Japanese business expressions during Zoom calls, Teams meetings, or Slack chats can make your remote interactions smoother and more productive. This post offers a practical collection of useful phrases tailored for remote work settings, helping you navigate virtual conversations with confidence and respect.

Starting a Remote Meeting

Opening a meeting politely and clearly sets the tone for effective communication. Here are some common expressions to begin your virtual meetings:

• おはようございます。皆さん、聞こえますか？

Good morning. Can everyone hear me?

• 本日はお忙しい中、お時間をいただきありがとうございます。

Thank you for taking the time today despite your busy schedules.

• 画面共有を始めます。

I will start screen sharing.

• マイクの調子はいかがでしょうか？

How is your microphone working?

• チャットで質問があれば、いつでもどうぞ。

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the chat.

Using these phrases helps confirm technical readiness and encourages participation from the start.

Managing Technical Issues

Technical glitches are common in remote work. Knowing how to address them politely in Japanese is essential:

• 接続が不安定なようです。もう一度接続し直します。

The connection seems unstable. I will reconnect.

• 音声が聞こえにくい場合は教えてください。

Please let me know if the audio is hard to hear.

• カメラをオンにしてもよろしいでしょうか？

May I turn on my camera?

• 画面がフリーズしています。再起動します。

The screen is frozen. I will restart.

• 少々お待ちください。問題を確認します。

Please wait a moment. I will check the issue.

These expressions show professionalism and patience when dealing with technical difficulties.

Expressing Opinions and Asking Questions

Remote meetings often require clear and respectful ways to share ideas or seek clarification:

• 私の意見を述べさせていただきます。

Let me share my opinion.

• この点についてもう少し詳しく説明していただけますか？

Could you please explain this point in more detail?

• ご意見をお聞かせいただけますか？

May I hear your opinion?

• 異なる見解がありますが、こう考えています。

I have a different view, but I think this way.

• 確認ですが、こちらの理解で間違いありませんか？

Just to confirm, is my understanding correct?

Using polite and clear expressions helps maintain harmony and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Closing a Meeting

Ending a remote meeting smoothly leaves a positive impression and clarifies next steps:

• 本日の議題は以上です。ご参加ありがとうございました。

That concludes today's agenda. Thank you for your participation.

• 次回のミーティングは〇月〇日に予定しています。

The next meeting is scheduled for [date].

• 何か質問があれば、後ほどメールでご連絡ください。

If you have any questions, please contact me by email later.

• お疲れ様でした。良い一日をお過ごしください。

Thank you for your hard work. Have a good day.

• 引き続きよろしくお願いいたします。

I look forward to working with you.

These phrases help wrap up meetings politely and professionally.

Useful Expressions for Slack and Teams Chats

Text communication in Slack or Teams requires concise and polite language. Here are some handy phrases:

• お疲れ様です。

Thank you for your hard work. (Common greeting)

• ご確認お願いいたします。

Please check this.

• 承知しました。

Understood.

• 少々お待ちください。

Please wait a moment.

• ご対応ありがとうございます。

Thank you for your response.

• 資料を共有いたします。

I will share the documents.

• 質問があれば教えてください。

Let me know if you have any questions.

These expressions keep communication polite and efficient in written form.

Tips for Using Japanese Business Expressions Remotely

• Be mindful of honorifics and polite forms. Japanese business communication often uses keigo (polite language). Adjust your level of politeness depending on your relationship with colleagues.

  
  

• Confirm understanding frequently. Remote communication can cause misunderstandings. Use phrases like 確認ですが (just to confirm) to avoid confusion.

  
  

• Use clear and simple language. Avoid complicated sentences to ensure your message is understood easily, especially when audio quality is poor.

  
  

• Encourage participation. Invite others to speak or ask questions with expressions like ご意見をお聞かせください (please share your opinion).

  
  

• Be patient with technical issues. Use polite phrases to address problems calmly and keep the meeting on track.

  
  

Mastering these expressions will improve your remote work communication and help build stronger professional relationships in Japanese business environments.