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How Do You Make Business Phone Calls in Japanese?

Make business phone calls in Japanese with confidence. Learn essential phrases, keigo and call etiquette in our beginner-friendly guide.

By GaijinPot Blog May 2, 2025 2 min read

Making business calls in Japanese can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not used to the polite expressions (keigo) required in professional settings. But don’t worry—with a little practice and preparation, you can handle phone calls with confidence.

In our latest video, we walk you through a typical phone conversation between a foreign employee and a Japanese company representative. From introducing yourself to leaving a message, here’s what to expect.

Key Phrases to Remember

Just like exchanging meishi (business cards), business phone calls in Japan follow a polite and structured format. Here’s a quick reference table of phrases to help you through a typical call:

Situation	Japanese	English
Greeting & Introduction	お世話になっております。ABC会社のスミスです。	“Thank you for your time. This is Smith from ABC Company.”
Asking for someone	田中様はいらっしゃいますか？	“Is Mr. Tanaka available?”
Requesting a callback	それでは、折り返しお電話いただけますか？	“Could you have them call me back?”
Leaving a message	伝言をお願いできますでしょうか？	“Can I leave a message?”
Closing the call	よろしくお願いします。失礼します。	“Thank you very much. Goodbye.”

What If You Want to Leave a Message?

Simply say:
「Dengon o onegai dekimasu deshou ka？」
(“Can I leave a message?”)

Then clearly state your name, company, and the reason for your call, along with a preferred callback time if needed.

Before hanging up, close the conversation with:
「Shitsurei shimasu」 (“Excuse me/Goodbye”).

Business vs Casual Phrases

Here are a few examples of how everyday Japanese phrases become more formal in business settings:

Scene	Polite Business Japanese (敬語)
Asking for something	恐れ入りますが◯◯していただけますか
Acknowledging	かしこまりました / 承知いたしました
Declining politely	申し訳ないのですが、その日は都合がつきません
Apologizing	申し訳ございませんでした / 失礼いたしました

These expressions may feel stiff at first, but they’re essential for sounding professional over the phone.

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