🇯🇵 Going to Work in Japan? Here's What You Need to Know and Say!

If you're planning to work in Japan, whether short-term or long-term, learning some basic Japanese workplace phrases will make your life easier, your interactions smoother, and your experience richer.

🧳 First, the Basics:

English Japanese Pronunciation
I am going to work 仕事に行きます Shigoto ni ikimasu
I am working 働いています Hatarai teimasu
I will start working now 今から働きます Ima kara hatarakimasu
I finished work 仕事が終わりました Shigoto ga owarimashita
Good job (to others) お疲れ様です Otsukaresama desu
Let’s do our best! 頑張りましょう！ Ganbarimashou!

🏢 Everyday Work Phrases:

Situation Japanese Pronunciation
Good morning おはようございます Ohayou gozaimasu
Thank you ありがとうございます Arigatou gozaimasu
Please お願いします Onegaishimasu
Excuse me / Sorry すみません Sumimasen
Yes / No はい / いいえ Hai / Iie
I understand / I got it わかりました Wakarimashita
I don’t understand わかりません Wakarimasen

👨‍💼 At the Office:

Phrase Japanese Pronunciation
Where is the meeting room? 会議室はどこですか？ Kaigishitsu wa doko desu ka?
I have a meeting 会議があります Kaigi ga arimasu
Can you help me? 手伝ってくれますか？ Tetsudatte kuremasu ka?
I’m learning Japanese 日本語を勉強しています Nihongo o benkyou shiteimasu

📝 Pro Tips:

  • Always greet colleagues with お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu) — it’s polite and used often.
  • Use formal language (です / ます form) in most professional settings.
  • Bring a small notebook to jot down new words and phrases you hear at work.

If you'd like a downloadable version or printable phrase sheet, let me know in the comments! 🌟

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