Learn about Japanese communication styles!
Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).
There are differences in communication between Japanese people and foreigners.
By understanding Japanese communication styles, you will find yourself worrying less about why people do things the way they do.
This time, we will introduce the characteristics of Japanese communication style and some points to keep in mind when communicating with Japanese people.
What are the characteristics of Japanese communication style?
We will introduce the characteristics of Japanese communication style.
Prefers vague expressions
Japanese people often use ambiguous expressions.
Ambiguous expressions are those that do not clearly convey specific deadlines or quantities.
For example, there are the following:
- Please complete it as soon as possible
- Please print more documents
How early is "early" and how much is "a lot" depends on the sense of the person and the company. Even for Japanese people, such ambiguous expressions can cause problems.
Less body language
Japanese people rarely use body language.
Therefore, when you don't understand the language, it can be difficult to understand the particularly important parts of what the other person is saying or their emotions.
Don't be the first to tell the conclusion
Japanese people often don't state the conclusion first.
Also, sometimes I refrain from giving a conclusion, thinking, "That much should be enough for the other person to understand."
For example, here is a conversation:
You: "Can I take my lunch break now?"
Boss: "It's still 11:00."
The conclusion of this conversation is, "It's not time to take a break yet."
However, since the author only explains the reasons without giving a conclusion, it is difficult to understand the conclusion.
Don't say no clearly
Japanese people often do not clearly refuse in order to avoid hurting the other person's feelings.
For example, you can use the following phrases when you want to decline an offer:
- If there is another opportunity, please
- It's a bit difficult
- I'll go if I can.
For foreigners, this is a difficult phrase to understand as it means you have been turned down or not.
Not expressing your feelings or opinions
In Japan, conversations often proceed on the assumption that people will understand this much without me having to say it in words.
They do not express their feelings or opinions clearly and expect the other person to understand them.
Also, people may not voice their opinions because they do not want to be confronted by differences of opinion.
Describe yourself poorly
Many Japanese people are humble.
A humble person describes himself/herself poorly.
For example, even if you have excellent grades, you may still underestimate yourself by saying things like, "I'm not good enough" or "I still have a long way to go."
You might underestimate yourself if:
- When you hide your pride
- When you praise others
Many Japanese people do not think well of people who are "prideful."
When they are praised, they hide their pride by denying it by saying, "That's not true."
Also, people may praise others for their excellence by putting themselves down, such as, "Compared to Mr./Ms. XX, I still have a lot to learn."
Many people say "I'm sorry"
In general, many Japanese people say "sumimasen" often.
In Japanese, we say "sumimasen" not only when we have done something wrong, but also when speaking to someone or calling a waiter at a restaurant.
Also, some people say "sumimasen" instead of "arigatou" when they receive a souvenir or when someone gives up their seat for them on the train.
For example, when receiving a souvenir, you say "I'm sorry for always coming."
It is not used to apologize, but to express gratitude and a sense of regret that the person went out of their way to buy and bring a souvenir for you.
Many of these Japanese communication styles stem from consideration for others.
They show respect to others by underestimating themselves, turn down invitations vaguely so as not to hurt the other person's feelings, and always communicate with others while being conscious of "how others will feel."
For this reason, many Japanese people are good at reading other people's feelings.
For example, when you invite someone to dinner and they say, "I'll go if I can," you might try to read into their words the hidden meaning and think, "Maybe they don't really want to go."
We imagine the other person's feelings not only from their words, but also from their facial expressions and eye movements.
Once you know the characteristics of Japanese communication, you may find it difficult to communicate with Japanese people.
However, it's okay if you think about how the other person feels when speaking and acting.
Many Japanese people can understand your feelings of anxiety, wondering "Is this really okay?"
With that in mind, here are some tips to help you communicate better with Japanese people.
Important points to remember when communicating with Japanese people
Here are some points to keep in mind when communicating with Japanese people.
If you're not sure, check
If you don't know the exact number, such as "early," "roughly," or "a little," please check.
For example, when someone tells you to "finish it early," check the deadline.
What "early" means varies from person to person.
If you clearly ask, "Please tell me the deadline," you will get a specific answer such as "Tomorrow" or "Within this week."
Use polite language
Use polite language when speaking to people older than you, your boss, or people you are meeting for the first time.
If you don't use polite language, you will come across as rude.
At first, it's fine to just end your sentences with "desu" or "masu."
When asking a question to someone at work about something you don't understand, be sure to ask politely.
Things to be aware of when communicating with Japanese people
When communicating with Japanese people, be sure to keep the following points in mind:
- Don't speak loudly in public places
- Maintain physical distance from others
- Don't talk about money
It is said that many Japanese people have modest personalities.
In particular, when speaking in public or with people at work, speaking loudly or expressing strong emotions can startle people.
Also, in Japan, there is no culture of hugging or kissing on the cheek as a greeting.
When greeting someone, bow and keep a safe distance.
Be careful about talking about money.
Japanese people avoid talking about money with others.
Avoid asking questions like, "How much do you earn?" or "How much savings do you have?"
Summary: Understanding Japanese communication styles will help you
Japanese people tend to use vague expressions and not express their opinions.
This communication style is based on consideration for the other person.
Japanese people are good at reading other people's feelings because they are always thinking about "what the other person is thinking."
So your feelings of anxiety can be sensed.
When the instructions you receive from the other person are unclear, you can communicate more smoothly with Japanese people by asking specific questions such as "What is the deadline?" and using "desu" and "masu" when speaking.
Don't be afraid, try communicating with as many Japanese people as you can!
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