TCJ Blog

When speaking Japanese, honorifics (敬称, keishō) are placed after names, such as -san, -sama, -kun, and -chan. Some of you may wonder, “Is this usage really correct?” There is a wide variety of honorifics, and using them properly is important. Today, we will explore some common Japanese honorifics and their usage—especially in business settings—in an easy and practical way!

The other day, I had a chance to talk with one of my students who owns a business. He said, “Answering a phone call is still challenging for me, so I always ask my employees to take them instead.” I was a bit surprised because he has lived in Japan for a long time and his Japanese proficiency is excellent. When I asked him what makes phone calls difficult, he explained, “Well, first, I can’t see the caller’s face. Second, it takes me some time to grasp what their intentions are. And lastly, I’m not sure how to respond appropriately.” In fact, even many Japanese people find phone calls challenging — around half of the population says they’re not good at them. One reason is that, compared to the past, people today have fewer opportunities to speak on the phone, as email and chat apps have become the main forms of communication. So today, let’s dive into everything about making phone calls in Japanese — from vocabulary related to phone calls, to important manners, and practical phrases that will help you handle calls smoothly at work or in business situations.

“I like you” or “我喜欢你” (Chinese). This is the phrase used in English or Chinese when saying “I like you.” However, when translating them into Japanese, there are many ways to say “I,” such as “Watashi wa anata ga suki desu,” “Ore wa kimi ga suki desu,” or “Uchi wa anata ga suki desu.” These “I” or “我” (which means “I” in Chinese) are called first-person pronouns. First-person pronouns are used to describe the speaker or writer. Japanese first-person pronouns have a variety of options besides “watashi.”

Various slangs exist in Japanese, but you need to be careful how you use them. It is not appropriate for business situations, formal places, or when speaking with superiors. In this article, we will introduce words that mean “very much” and verb words with “る ru” added to katakana.

When communicating through text messages, 顔文字(kaomoji): Emoticons are frequently used in Japanese. They are a useful tool for expressing feelings and nuances that words alone cannot convey. Today, we’ll explore different types of kaomoji that are actually used by Japanese people, appropriate situations to use them, and practical tips for using them naturally—along with some examples. Enrich your Japanese communication skills by mastering kaomoji!