An Introduction to Humble Expressions and Honorifics in Japanese Workplaces

■What It Is Humble expressions and honorifics are deeply rooted in Japanese social culture. Humble expressions demonstrate respect to others by downplaying oneself, while honorifics convey politeness through specific language use.

■When and Where These expressions and honorifics are used not only in workplaces but also in everyday life across Japan. Although there might be slight variations depending on regions and industries, the fundamental grammar and application remain consistent nationwide.

■Impact on Real Life For foreigners working in Japan, the appropriate use of humble expressions and honorifics is crucial for smooth communication with colleagues. Misunderstanding and unnecessary frictions might arise without this knowledge.

■How Foreigners Can Cope Start by learning some basic expressions like "sumimasen" (excuse me), "arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you), and "osewa ni natte orimasu" (thank you for your support). Don't worry too much about mistakes and use them actively to get accustomed.

■Manners and Precautions Avoid excessive humility which may cause mistrust or confusion. It's important to strike a balance and consider carefully when expressing true thoughts to avoid offending others unintentionally.