Business Japanese – Common Idioms Used in Business ①
Table of Contents
1. Common Idioms Used in Business
2. Expressions That Represent Resetting a Situation
3. Expressions That Represent Strong Determination
4. Expressions Used in Negotiation and Decision-Making
5. Summary
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment
Q: Are there any idioms commonly used in business settings?
A: In Japanese business settings, direct expressions are often avoided, and idioms are frequently used to convey messages more tactfully.
Here are some commonly used idioms in business.
Expressions That Represent Resetting a Situation
[水に流す]
Instead of directly saying, “Let’s forget about this trouble,” the phrase “水に流す” is commonly used in business settings.
[Meaning]
To let go of past failures or troubles and treat them as if they never happened.
[Origin]
Derived from the idea of washing away dirt or blockages (failures or troubles) with water, leaving a clean state.
[Examples]
今回の件は水に流して、次の計画の話を進めましょう。
Let’s put this matter behind us and move forward with the next plan.
誰にでも失敗はある。この件は水に流そう。
Everyone makes mistakes. Let’s let this one go.
[白紙に戻す]
It is an expression used when retracting a previously decided plan or discussion.
[Meaning]
To nullify, invalidate, or undo a certain state.
[Origin]
“白紙” (blank paper) refers to a sheet with nothing written on it, symbolizing a return to its original state.
[Examples]
残念ですが、今回の話は白紙に戻させていただけませんか。
Unfortunately, could we void this discussion and return it to square one?
せっかく途中まで進んでいた計画が白紙に戻ってしまった。
The plan had been progressing well, but it ended up being scrapped.
Expressions That Represent Strong Determination
When expressing “never forgetting something,” the following phrase is commonly used.
[肝に銘じる]
[Meaning]
To deeply engrave something important in one’s heart and never forget it.
[Origin]
The word “肝” (liver) has been considered a part of the body connected to the heart and soul. Engraving something there symbolizes the idea of “never forgetting.”
[Examples]
ご指導いただいたことを肝に銘じて働きます。
I will take to heart the guidance you have given me and work diligently.
今回の失敗を肝に銘じて、二度と起こらないように努めます。
I will take this failure to heart and strive to ensure it never happens again.
When making a firm decision about something, the following expression is used. It is especially used in situations of difficulty or when facing an important decision.
[腹を括る]
[Meaning]
To make up one’s mind and firmly commit to a chosen course of action.
[Origin]
Derived from the image of samurai tightening their armor or kimono belts before heading into battle, symbolizing their readiness to fight.
[Examples]
今回のプロジェクトは、腹を括って挑戦します。
I will brace myself and take on this project with determination.
この仕事を引き受けた以上、腹を括ります。
Since I have taken on this job, I will brace myself and see it through.
Expressions Used in Negotiation and Decision-Making
[手を打つ]
[Meaning]
To take measures to resolve a problem.
[Origin]
Derived from the act of making the next move in games like Go and Shogi, it evolved to mean taking appropriate action in a given situation.
[Examples]
問題が大きくなる前に、早めに手を打つ必要があります。
We need to take action early before the problem gets bigger.
競合他社が新製品を発表する前に、こちらも手を打たなければなりません。
We must take action before our competitors launch their new product.
[足元を見る]
[Meaning]
To take advantage of someone’s weakness in order to secure favorable conditions.
[Origin]
Derived from the actions of merchants who would raise horse rental fees when they noticed that travelers were in a hurry.
[Examples]
取引先に足元を見られないように、交渉の準備をしっかりしておきましょう。
Let’s thoroughly prepare for the negotiation to ensure that our business partner does not take advantage of our weakness.
相手の足元を見るような値引き交渉は、長期的な関係には逆効果です。
Price negotiations that exploit the other party’s weaknesses can have a negative impact on long-term relationships.
Summary
In business settings, direct expressions are often avoided, and using idioms can help facilitate smoother communication. It is important to use them appropriately depending on the situation.
- 水に流す：To let go of past failures or troubles.
- 白紙に戻す：To nullify an agreed plan or discussion.
- 肝に銘じる：To deeply engrave an important matter in one’s heart and never forget it.
- 腹を括る：To make up one’s mind and face a challenge with determination.
- 手を打つ：To take measures to resolve a problem.
- 足元を見る：To take advantage of someone’s weakness to gain favorable conditions.
