Studying Japanese Ep.1153

Today we’re learning two crucial expressions for business Japanese. These phrases are essential when introducing yourself at a new workplace in Japan. Whether you’re preparing for JLPT N4-N3 or planning to work in Japan, mastering these formal expressions is vital for making a good first impression.

First Sentence: 今期に会社に入社しました

Word Breakdown

今期 (こんき) – this term, this period, this quarter

に – particle indicating time

会社 (かいしゃ) – company

に – particle indicating direction or destination

入社 (にゅうしゃ) – joining a company, entering employment

しました – did (polite past tense of する)

Literal vs Natural Translation

Literal meaning: In this term to company entered didNatural translation: I joined the company this term / I started working at this company this term

Understanding 今期 (This Term)

What does 今期 mean?

今期 refers to the current business period or term. In Japanese companies, this typically refers to fiscal quarters or business terms. Japanese fiscal years often run from April to March, so 今期 could mean the current quarter (3 months) or the current fiscal year depending on context. When introducing yourself, it indicates you’re a recent hire.

The Verb 入社する (To Join a Company)

入社 is a specific noun that means “entering a company” or “joining a company as an employee.” When combined with する, it becomes a verb meaning “to join a company.” This is different from 入る (to enter), which is more general. 入社する is specifically used for employment contexts.

Related vocabulary:

入社 (にゅうしゃ) – joining a company退社 (たいしゃ) – leaving a company入学 (にゅうがく) – entering school卒業 (そつぎょう) – graduation就職 (しゅうしょく) – getting a job

Grammar Point: Double に Particles

Why are there two に particles?

The first に after 今期 indicates the time when something happened. The second に after 会社 indicates the destination or target of the action. This is a common pattern in Japanese where multiple particles can appear in one sentence, each serving different grammatical functions.

When to Use This Expression

This phrase is used during formal self-introductions in business settings, particularly when you’re a new employee. It’s most commonly heard during your first day at work, company meetings, or when meeting colleagues and clients for the first time.

Common Situations:

First day orientation at a new companyIntroduction meetings with your teamMeeting clients or business partnersCompany-wide announcements of new hiresNetworking events with colleagues

Variations and Time Expressions

Different time periods:

今月入社しました – I joined this month先月入社しました – I joined last month4月に入社しました – I joined in April今年入社しました – I joined this year先週入社しました – I joined last week本日入社しました – I joined today

Full Self-Introduction Example

Complete introduction:

Nice to meet you. My name is Taro Tanaka. I joined the company this term. I’m from Osaka. My hobby is reading. Please treat me well.

Formality Level

Important Note:This is a formal expression using ました (polite past tense). In business settings, always use this polite form. Never use the casual past tense た in workplace introductions. The formal tone shows respect to your new colleagues and superiors.

Second Sentence: よろしくお願いします

Understanding This Essential Phrase

よろしくお願いします is arguably one of the most important phrases in Japanese, yet it’s also one of the most difficult to translate directly into English. It appears in countless situations and carries deep cultural significance in Japanese communication.

Word Breakdown

よろしく – well, favorably, kindly (adverb form of よろしい)

お願いします – please (humble request form)

Multiple Meanings and Contexts

Why is it hard to translate?

よろしくお願いします doesn’t have a single English equivalent because it encompasses multiple meanings depending on context. It can mean “Nice to meet you,” “Please treat me well,” “I’m counting on you,” “Thank you in advance,” “Please take care of this,” and more. The common thread is that you’re asking for someone’s favorable consideration or goodwill.

Common Translations Based on Context

In introductions: Nice to meet you / Please treat me wellIn requests: Thank you in advance / I’m counting on youIn emails: Best regards / Kind regardsBefore teamwork: Let’s work well togetherWhen asking favors: Please help me with this

Formality Variations

Casual to formal:

よろしく – Very casual (friends)よろしくね – Casual friendly (close colleagues)よろしくお願いします – Standard polite (most common)よろしくお願いいたします – More formal (business)よろしくお願い申し上げます – Very formal (written, ceremonies)何卒よろしくお願いいたします – Extremely formal (important requests)

Usage in Self-Introductions

When used after 今期に会社に入社しました, the phrase よろしくお願いします means “Please treat me well” or “I look forward to working with you.” You’re essentially asking your new colleagues to be kind to you as you learn the ropes and integrate into the team.

Cultural Significance

Cultural Context:

This phrase reflects the Japanese cultural values of humility and interdependence. By saying よろしくお願いします, you’re acknowledging that you’ll need others’ help and cooperation. It’s not just politeness—it’s recognizing your place in a social or professional network and expressing gratitude for being welcomed into it.

When to Use よろしくお願いします

Common situations:

After self-introductionsWhen asking someone for helpAt the end of business emailsBefore starting a project togetherWhen receiving a new assignmentAfter meeting clientsWhen requesting something be doneAt the end of phone calls

Response to よろしくお願いします

How to respond:

こちらこそよろしくお願いします – Likewise, nice to meet you tooよろしくお願いします – Same phrase back (common)こちらこそ – Likewise (casual)

The phrase こちらこそ means “This way too” or “Likewise,” indicating that you also hope for a good relationship.

Example Conversations

Example 1: New Employee Introduction

新入社員: はじめまして。今期に会社に入社しました山田です。よろしくお願いします。先輩: 山田さんですね。こちらこそよろしくお願いします。分からないことがあれば、いつでも聞いてください。

New employee: Nice to meet you. I’m Yamada, who joined the company this term. Please treat me well.Senior: You’re Yamada, right? Likewise, nice to meet you. If you don’t understand anything, please ask anytime.

Example 2: Project Assignment

上司: この資料を明日までにまとめてください。部下: かしこまりました。よろしくお願いします。

Boss: Please compile this material by tomorrow.Subordinate: Understood. Thank you (I’ll do my best).

Example 3: Email Closing

I apologize for bothering you when you’re busy, but I would appreciate your confirmation.

Using Both Phrases Together

The Standard Introduction Pattern

These two sentences form the core of a standard Japanese business self-introduction. The pattern is almost formulaic and is expected in professional settings.

Standard pattern:

Name introduction + 今期に会社に入社しました + よろしくお願いします

鈴木と申します。今期に会社に入社しました。よろしくお願いします。My name is Suzuki. I joined the company this term. Please treat me well.

Extended Introduction Example

More detailed introduction:

Everyone, nice to meet you. My name is Hanako Sato. I joined the sales department this term. In my previous job, I gained customer service experience in retail. I’m still inexperienced, but I’ll work hard, so I humbly ask for your guidance and encouragement.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

1. はじめまして。田中です。＿＿＿に会社に＿＿＿しました。2. この仕事、明日までにお願いします。→ はい、＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。3. メールの最後：ご確認のほど＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。

Exercise 2: Create your own introduction

Write a complete self-introduction in Japanese including:Your nameWhen you joinedYour previous experience or backgroundA closing with よろしくお願いします

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using casual formWrong: 今期に会社に入社したCorrect: 今期に会社に入社しました

Mistake 2: Omitting particlesWrong: 今期会社入社しましたCorrect: 今期に会社に入社しました

Mistake 3: Using wrong verbWrong: 今期に会社に入りましたBetter: 今期に会社に入社しました

Mistake 4: Forgetting よろしくお願いしますJapanese introductions almost always end with this phrase. Omitting it sounds abrupt and impolite.

Additional Business Vocabulary

Related business terms:

新入社員 (しんにゅうしゃいん) – new employee中途採用 (ちゅうとさいよう) – mid-career hire新卒 (しんそつ) – new graduate配属 (はいぞく) – assignment (to a department)研修 (けんしゅう) – training部署 (ぶしょ) – department上司 (じょうし) – boss, superior同僚 (どうりょう) – colleague先輩 (せんぱい) – senior colleague後輩 (こうはい) – junior colleague

Key Takeaways for JLPT Students

今期に会社に入社しました is essential for formal business introductions. Master this pattern and you can easily substitute different time expressions to fit your situation.

よろしくお願いします is one of the most versatile and frequently used phrases in Japanese. Understanding its various contexts and formality levels is crucial for both JLPT exams and real-life Japanese communication.

These phrases represent the formal, polite Japanese required in business settings. Practice them until they become natural, as they’ll be among your most-used expressions if you work in Japan.

Cultural Tips for Using These Expressions

Body Language Matters:

When saying these phrases in person, bow appropriately. For よろしくお願いします during introductions, a bow of about 30 degrees is standard. Your tone should be humble and respectful. Make eye contact before bowing, not during the bow itself.

Wrap-up

Today we learned two fundamental expressions for Japanese business communication. 今期に会社に入社しました establishes your status as a new employee, while よろしくお願いします is the universal phrase for requesting goodwill and cooperation.

These phrases are not just about language—they reflect Japanese workplace culture emphasizing harmony, respect, and mutual support. Master these expressions, understand their cultural context, and you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Japanese business environments successfully.

Remember that in Japanese business culture, first impressions are crucial. A well-delivered self-introduction using these phrases can set the tone for your entire time at a company. Practice until you can say them naturally and confidently!

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