The Japanese business world is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. While Japanese is the primary language, you’ll encounter a surprising number of English words. These words, however, often take on new meanings and nuances in the Japanese context. This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings for those unfamiliar with business Japanese. This article serves as your guide to navigating this linguistic landscape, providing clarity and confidence in your business interactions.

Why English? The Influx of Foreign Terms

The adoption of English terms in business Japanese is a result of globalization and Japan’s historical interactions with the West. Many technical and business concepts were introduced to Japan from Western countries, and the English terms often accompanied them. Over time, these terms have become integrated into the Japanese language, sometimes with altered meanings.

Understanding “Wasei-Eigo”: Japanese-Made English

Many English words used in business Japanese are actually “Wasei-Eigo,” meaning “Japanese-made English.” These are words that were created in Japan by combining English words or giving existing words new meanings. For example, “salaryman” (サラリーマン) refers to a salaried office worker, a term not commonly used in English-speaking countries.

The Evolution of Business Japanese

Business Japanese is not a static entity; it’s a living language that constantly evolves alongside societal and technological advancements. New words and phrases emerge, reflecting current trends and innovations. Staying abreast of these linguistic shifts is vital for effective communication and demonstrates a commitment to understanding the nuances of the Japanese business world.

• ・Impact of Technology: The rise of the internet and digital technologies has introduced a plethora of new terms into business Japanese. Words like “e-commerce” (eコマース), “online meeting” (オンライン会議), and “digital marketing” (デジタルマーケティング) have become commonplace.
• ・Globalization and Internationalization: As Japanese companies increasingly engage in global business, they adopt international business terminology. Terms like “global strategy” (グローバル戦略), “cross-cultural communication” (異文化コミュニケーション), and “sustainability” (持続可能性) are becoming increasingly important.
• ・Social Changes: Changes in Japanese society, such as the increasing participation of women in the workforce and a growing awareness of work-life balance, are also reflected in the language. Terms like “work-life balance” (ワークライフバランス) and “diversity and inclusion” (ダイバーシティ＆インクルージョン) are gaining traction.

Common English Words in Business Japanese

Let’s explore some common English words that frequently appear in business Japanese:

• ・Meeting (ミーティング): Just like in English, this refers to a gathering of people for discussion. However, Japanese meetings often have a more formal structure and emphasize consensus-building.
• ・Schedule (スケジュール): This refers to a timetable or plan, similar to its English counterpart. However, adhering to schedules is considered extremely important in Japanese business culture.
• ・Project (プロジェクト): This refers to a specific task or undertaking, often with a defined timeline and goals. Project management methodologies are widely used in Japanese companies.
• ・Report (レポート): This refers to a written or oral account of something. Reports are frequently used to communicate information and progress within Japanese companies.
• ・Presentation (プレゼンテーション): This involves presenting information or ideas to an audience. Presentations in Japan often follow a structured format and emphasize clarity and conciseness.
• ・Claim (クレーム): This refers to a complaint or grievance. Handling customer claims effectively is essential for maintaining good business relationships.
• ・Trouble (トラブル): This refers to a problem or difficulty. Japanese business culture emphasizes preventing trouble and resolving issues quickly and smoothly.

Lost in Translation: English Words with Unexpected Meanings

Even for native English speakers, some English words used can be perplexing due to their altered meanings. These “false friends” can lead to amusing or confusing situations if not understood correctly. Here are a few examples:

• ・カニバル (kanibaru): This doesn’t refer to cannibalism, but rather a bargain sale or clearance event. It’s derived from the English word “carnival.”
• ・バッティング (battingu): This doesn’t refer to hitting a ball with a bat, but rather a scheduling conflict or overlap. It’s derived from the English word “batting” in the context of baseball.
• ・マンション (manshon): This refers to an apartment building, not a grand mansion.
• ・コンセント (konsento): This means an electrical outlet, not agreement or consent.
• ・スマート (sumāto): While it can mean intelligent, it often describes someone who is stylish, sophisticated, or efficient.

Beyond English: A Multilingual Tapestry

While English is a major contributor to foreign words in business Japanese, it’s not the only one. German and French, among other languages, have also left their mark. This linguistic diversity reflects Japan’s openness to global influences and its ability to adapt and integrate foreign concepts into its own cultural context.

• ・German Influence: German words often relate to technical or academic fields. For example, “アルバイト” (arubaito), meaning part-time job, comes from the German word “Arbeit” (work). Another example is “テーマ” (tēma), meaning theme or topic, derived from the German word “Thema.”
• ・French Influence: French loanwords often pertain to fashion, cuisine, or the arts. For example, “アパルトマン” (apātoman), meaning apartment building, comes from the French word “appartement.” “パン” (pan), meaning bread, is derived from the French word “pain.”

A Passport to Opportunity

Mastering business Japanese is an investment in your career and your ability to thrive in the Japanese business world. It opens doors to new opportunities, strengthens professional relationships, and enhances your credibility. By communicating effectively in Japanese, you can build trust, navigate complex negotiations, and contribute meaningfully to your company’s success.

• ・Career Advancement: Proficiency in business Japanese can lead to promotions and increased responsibilities within Japanese companies or multinational corporations with operations in Japan.
• ・Networking Opportunities: Speaking Japanese allows you to connect with a wider range of professionals and build relationships that can benefit your career.
• ・Business Negotiations: Effective communication in Japanese is crucial for successful business negotiations, ensuring that your ideas and proposals are clearly understood.
• ・Problem-Solving: Being able to communicate effectively in Japanese allows you to participate actively in problem-solving discussions and contribute to finding solutions.

Want to know more? Check out our previous article.
📰 Mastering Business Japanese for Success

Resources

Several resources can help you improve your understanding:

• ・Textbooks: These books are great resources to prepare for the self-study of the Business Japanese test. Find the external site here.
• ・Online Resources: This online school offers different level courses that may cater to your needs.
• ・Language Exchange Partners: Practicing with a native Japanese speaker can help you develop fluency and cultural understanding.

Take Away

In conclusion, mastering Business Japanese is like navigating a fascinating linguistic maze. It’s a journey of discovery, where you’ll encounter familiar English words transformed with new meanings and words from other languages woven into the fabric of Japanese business communication. By embracing this linguistic diversity, understanding cultural nuances, and continuously expanding your knowledge, you unlock the door to success in the Japanese business world. As you delve deeper into this captivating language, you’ll find that Business Japanese is more than just words; it’s a bridge to connect with people, build trust, and forge meaningful relationships. So, embrace the challenge, and let your journey of learning Business Japanese be your passport to a world of opportunities in Japan’s dynamic and rewarding business landscape.