Business Rephrasing Techniques ①
Table of Contents
1. Business Rephrasing Techniques ①
2. Polite Expressions for Saying “忘れた”
3. Polite Expressions for Gently Declining or Avoiding Something
4. Summary
5. Similer Articles
6. Comment
Q: Is it rude to say “忘れました” in a business setting?
A: In business situations, being too direct can sometimes make the other person feel uncomfortable.
In particular, saying “I forgot” may give the impression that you lack a sense of responsibility, so it requires careful handling.
In such cases, using polite and gentle expressions allows you to convey your message sincerely while showing consideration for the other party.
In this article, we introduce expressions that every businessperson should know for handling such situations with tact.
Polite Expressions for Saying “忘れた”
[失念する]
[Meaning]
To unintentionally forget something one had remembered
[Origin]
This term comes from Buddhist terminology. The word “念” refers to consciousness or memory, and “失う” means to lose. Together, they express the idea of losing something one had consciously remembered.
[Examples]
ご連絡を失念しており、大変申し訳ございませんでした。
I sincerely apologize—I forgot to get in touch with you.
失礼いたしました。来週の会議についてお伝えするのを失念しておりました。
I’m very sorry. I forgot to inform you about next week’s meeting.
[ご放念ください]
[Meaning]
To forget, not worry about something, or not let it weigh on your mind
[Origin]
The word “念” means “thought” or “awareness,” and “放念” is a polite expression meaning “to release those thoughts” — in other words, “not to worry about it.”
[Examples]
直接会ってお話できればうれしいですが、ご都合が合わなければご放念ください。
I’d be happy to speak with you in person, but please don’t worry if it’s not convenient for you.
こちらの件についてすでにご存知でしたら、この連絡はご放念ください。
If you are already aware of this matter, please feel free to disregard this message.
[Note]
This expression can only be used when addressing someone else.
✕ お話を放念しておりました。
〇 お話を失念しておりました。
Polite Expressions for Gently Declining or Avoiding Something
[見送る]
[Meaning]
To refrain from taking action, joining, or implementing something; to postpone a decision or plan.
[Origin]
The original meaning of “見送る” is “to see someone off.” This later evolved to mean “to refrain from taking action for now” or “to put something on hold,” and is now commonly used in that sense in business contexts.
[Examples]
誠に恐縮ですが、今回は参加を見送らせていただきます。
I sincerely apologize, but I will refrain from participating this time.
新システムの導入については、いったん見送る方向で検討しております。
As for the introduction of the new system, we are currently considering postponing it for the time being.
[見合わせる]
[Meaning]
To temporarily suspend, postpone, or delay execution, implementation, or introduction of something.
[Origin]
The term originally meant “to observe and compare before deciding,” and it developed into the usage of “holding off on action while assessing the situation.” It is now commonly used in business contexts to express a cautious or deferred decision.
[Examples]
悪天候のため、本日のイベントは見合わせることとなりました。
Due to inclement weather, today’s event has been canceled for the time being.
経済状況を踏まえ、現時点では新規採用を見合わせております。
In light of the current economic conditions, we have decided to put new hiring on hold at this time.
[差し控える]
[Meaning]
To hold back, refrain, or avoid making a comment or statement.
[Origin]
By adding the prefix “差し〜” to “控える (to refrain),” the expression emphasizes a more polite and cautious tone, often used in formal or delicate situations.
[Examples]
社内の方針により、コメントは差し控えさせていただきます。
In accordance with our internal policy, we will refrain from commenting.
詳細については差し控えますが、何卒ご理解賜りますようお願い申し上げます。
While we must refrain from sharing the details, we kindly ask for your understanding.
Summary
In the business world, there are many situations where you can’t avoid delicate responses such as declining, apologizing, or explaining that you’ve forgotten something.
That’s exactly when using polite and gentle expressions—like the ones introduced here—allows you to maintain respect for the other party while facilitating smooth communication.
Try incorporating them into your daily emails and conversations with intention.
Similer Articles
▼ Subscribe to Our Newsletter ▼
Receive free tips for learning Japanese!
