Ending an email politely is crucial in Japanese business and personal communication. A poorly chosen closing can undermine the positive impression you've carefully cultivated throughout your message. This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide, equipping you with the knowledge to choose the perfect ending for any situation.
Understanding Japanese Email Etiquette
Before diving into specific closings, it's important to understand the context. Japanese communication values politeness and formality, especially in professional settings. The level of formality you use depends on your relationship with the recipient – a close friend will receive a different closing than your boss.
Key Considerations:
- Relationship with Recipient: Are you emailing a close friend, a colleague, a superior, or a client?
- Purpose of Email: Is it a formal business inquiry, a casual update, or a request for information?
- Company Culture: Some companies have preferred email closings.
Choosing the Right Closing: A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide outlines several common email closings, categorized by formality. Choose the one that best suits your situation.
Step 1: Assess the Level of Formality
Informal (Friends & Family):
- じゃあね (Jaane): "See you later" – Use only with very close friends.
- またね (Matane): "See you again" – Slightly more formal than jaane.
Semi-Formal (Colleagues & Acquaintances):
- 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu): "Excuse me" – A polite and versatile closing. Suitable for most everyday emails.
- よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu): "Pleased to meet you" / "I look forward to your reply" – Often used when initiating contact or making a request.
Formal (Superiors & Clients):
- 敬具 (Keigu): "Respectfully" – The most formal closing, used primarily in business correspondence.
- 敬具 (Keigu) or 謹啓 (Kingei): These are used at the very end of formal letters and emails. They are rarely used today, except in extremely formal situations.
Step 2: Add a Sign-off
After your chosen closing, add your name. In a formal email, your full name and title might be appropriate. In less formal emails, your first name is sufficient.
Example (Formal):
敬具
田中一郎 (Tanaka Ichiro)
営業部長 (Eigyōbuchō) - Sales Manager
Example (Semi-Formal):
失礼します
花子 (Hanako)
Step 3: Proofread Carefully
Before sending your email, carefully proofread your entire message, including the closing. Even a small mistake can create a negative impression.
Beyond the Closing: Further Tips for Polished Emails
- Use polite language throughout your email: Maintain a consistent tone of politeness throughout your message.
- Keep it concise and to the point: Avoid rambling or unnecessary details.
- Use appropriate punctuation and grammar: Accuracy is key to conveying professionalism.
- Consider using a professional email address: A personal email address might be inappropriate for business communication.
By following these steps, you can confidently end your Japanese emails with grace and professionalism, leaving a lasting positive impression. Remember to practice and choose the appropriate closing based on the context and your relationship with the recipient. This will significantly enhance your communication skills in Japanese.
