“Kind and Clear Communications (#2): How Would You Like Me to Call You?”
When we meet someone new, one of the first things we think about is what to call them. As this is my second installment, I, too, have just met the readers of the newsletter. Here, I discuss polite ways to call someone’s name in the United States.
The PDF version of this month’s newsletter is available here.
あまり年齢に関係なく、周りのほとんどの人を下の名前で呼べるようになるのは、職場に入ってからでしょう（肩書が重要な政府機関など、一部例外はあります）。取引先など外部の方とやり取りをする際は、自己紹介における相手の名乗り方に従います。分からない時は名字を使えばよいでしょうし、相手が堅苦しいと感じれば、Call me Stacy. などと明示的に言ってくれるでしょう。しばらくメールなどでやり取りをして、十分親しくなった時には、冒頭で Hi Fred (if I may) と書けば、「よろしければ今後は下の名前で呼ばせていただきます」と一言で表現できます。
名字に関しては、もとは別の国のものでも、米国に移民した後で英語らしい発音に変わる場合があります（名字ではありませんが、たとえばアイオワ州のDes Moines（デモイン）市は、フランス語が英語化した一例です）。また、同じ名字でも、それぞれの家系の歴史によって読み方や綴りが異なる場合があります。私の知り合いにも、日本の「森さん」がMoreyさんになった日系アメリカ人の方がいます。いろいろと複雑ではありますが、名刺交換の際に発音を聞けば、会話のネタになります。どこから来た名字かを聞いても話が広がりますが、その場合には、「ヒスパニックのお名前ですか」などと決めつけず、May I ask the origins of your name? とオープンな形で聞いた方が丁寧でしょう。
下の名前に関しては、ニックネーム、2～3文字のイニシャル、ミドルネームを使う方もいます。日本の駐在員にも、本名を短くしたニックネームを使っている方がいますが、覚えてもらいやすいだけでなく、親しみも感じられて、素晴らしいと思います。 名字か下の名前か、どう発音するのか、ニックネームやミドルネームがよいのか。英語では、日本語以上に多様な呼び方があります。名前は相手の大切なアイデンティティです。憶測するより、How would you like me to call you? と聞くと、そこから会話が始まり、良い人間関係のスタートを切ることができるように思います。
“Kind and Clear Communications (#1): For Yourself and for Others”
I feel very fortunate that I now have a new platform: starting this month, I will be writing a column in the newsletter of the Japan Commerce Association of Washington, DC. In this series, I will focus on communication practices in the U.S. and ways to express ourselves clearly in a low-context culture. At the same time, I will discuss how to be mindful and considerate of others—values Japan is known for—while remaining authentic in a way that builds empathy. I hope to discuss a communications style that is easy to understand and kind to both ourselves and others—in other words, sincere, straightforward, and open. In this first installment, I discuss my background and explain why I value communications.
The PDF version of this month’s newsletter is available here.
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#24): Until We Meet Again”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. Sadly, the print edition of the paper is coming to an end, and this will also be the final piece of my column. Thank you for your support for the past two years (or nearly three years, if we include the previous column, “Polite Phrases in English”)! It’s been a wonderful journey reflecting on communications in various settings. For this last installment, I discuss how to say farewell and convey our gratitude to those who have supported us—while expressing our hope that we will meet again.
When I was writing my previous column, “Polite Phrases in English,” Sakura Shimbun was published twice a month. But due to COVID, it went on hiatus for a few years. I was so happy when it came back (now publishing once a month), and I was able to contribute again with this new column that focuses on compassion. Community papers like these, available for free in Japanese restaurants and grocery stores, are invaluable. Friends and acquaintances often told me, “I happened to pick one up and was surprised to come across your column!” It must have been incredibly difficult to operate solely on advertising revenue, and it’s truly wonderful that they continued to publish it for 20 years. While the end of the print version is an unfortunate symptom of ongoing changes in the media landscape, I’m glad to hear that the web edition will continue, and I look forward to reading articles and event announcements online.
I will be concluding this column for now, but I hope to write again on other platforms, so please be on the lookout for those!
まず、長らく働いた職場を去るとき。同僚には、After working together until the wee hours to prepare for our annual conferences, I feel like we’ve bonded like family. I’ll really miss our banter! などと言えるでしょう。同じ町や業界の中で転職する場合には、We’ll continue to be in the same industry, so I’m sure we’ll have opportunities to work together. Don’t be a stranger! Reach out anytime if there’s anything I can do to help. などと言えます。
定年退職する場合には、I ended up staying until retirement because I just couldn’t find a better workplace. But as much as I’d like to be here forever, I need to make way for the next generation. などという冗談でしんみりした雰囲気を和ませることもできます。I’m happy that Katie is succeeding me as Executive Director, and can think of no better person to lead this organization. But if you ever miss my sense of humor, you’re welcome to contact me anytime. と後任の紹介もできるでしょう。
卒業式もお別れの場です。卒論でお世話になった先生には、Thank you for kindly supervising my thesis. Your encouragement and insightful advice kept me going even when my research stalled. などと言えます。将来自分も研究者になりたい場合は、I look forward to reading your future publications, and cannot wait to continue our discussions at academic conferences! などと付け足せます。
別の町に引っ越すため、お世話になった隣人に挨拶することもあるでしょう。We cannot thank you enough for kindly taking care of our daughter when my wife and I could not find a babysitter. Our entire family will miss you! などと言えます。Few neighborhoods will be as friendly as this one, but we did find a nice new home, so please visit us anytime! とも補足できます。
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#23): How to Share Gifts”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. The series of events triggered by the U.S. attack on Venezuela not only disrupted international order and harmed civilians, but led to another development that was shocking in its own way: Ms. Machado presenting President Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize medal. While publicly giving away a medal we’re awarded is rare, in everyday life, we sometimes share portions of gifts we’ve received. In this issue, I explore how we can share gifts with others who might appreciate them and, if needed, explain to the original gift-giver why you wanted to spread the joy.
日本語の「お裾分け」には、幸せも分けるような素敵なニュアンスがこめられていますが、英語ではぴったりの訳がないため、少し直接的な言い方になります。I know you enjoy drinking tea. We received a beautiful box of tea over the holidays, so I thought I might share some with you. などと言えます。お裾分けをする相手とはある程度親しい間柄でしょうけれど、I’m sorry it’s not properly wrapped, but I included each of the five flavors in the box! などと説明するとより丁寧でしょう。
ただ、元の贈り主とお裾分けをした相手が知り合いの場合は、それぞれに対し、誰から頂いたのか、誰に分けたのかを伝えた方がよいかもしれません。贈り主には、My mom is visiting me this week, and we both really enjoyed the chocolates you gave me. Thank you again! や、I happened to have lunch with our mutual friend Dan a day after you and I met. I remembered that he loved the brand of sweets you gave me, so I hope it was ok that I shared a few with him. などと言えます。
近年は「お裾分け」の言葉を頂き物以外に使う方も増えているそうです。実際、多めの料理や食べ物などを分けることもあるでしょう。I baked some cookies over the long weekend. Please help yourself! というメモとともにオフィスに持っていけば、気軽に食べてもらえるかもしれません。大学のキャンパスなどで会議やイベントを行った後は、We just had a faculty breakfast meeting in the English Department, and have a ton of bagels and muffins left over. If anyone’s hungry, please come get them in the next half hour! といったメッセージをゼミの学生に送ったりもできます。
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#22): Looking Back on the Year”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. This year has been a whirlwind for many of us who support U.S.-Japan relations. Stakeholders across all fields have been affected by countless issues, including tariffs, funding cuts, visas, the government shutdown, and a hardline stance toward foreigners. But even with challenges still ahead, it would be best to conclude the year with a positive outlook. In this issue, I explore ways to express gratitude to the people who supported us while reflecting on what we achieved in 2025.
普段から頻繁にやり取りしている相手には、ホリデーシーズンの休暇や事務所閉鎖について伝えたりするでしょう。その際、最後に As always, I really enjoyed working with you this year. Thank you for kindly answering my many questions about what you are doing to minimize the impact of funding cuts. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season! などと書くことができます。It was a difficult year for all of us, but being able to quickly establish a working group with other universities like yours and sharing our experiences was incredibly helpful. Thank you for all your support! といった言い方もできるでしょう。
顧客に対する企業メッセージでは、もう少し堅苦しい形になりますが、You have been so patient with us as we navigated a lot of uncertainties this year. Raising our prices was a very difficult decision that came after months of deliberation. We are grateful for your continued loyalty despite those changes. といった言葉を盛り込むことができるでしょう。スポンサーには、You kindly supported us just as funding became increasingly difficult to obtain. We have never been more grateful for your generosity and partnership, and are touched that you continue to support us despite the challenges many industries faced this year. と謝意を述べることができます。
上司として部下を称えることも重要です。Our company is nothing without our wonderful employees. While everything else was uncertain, one thing I could count on was how passionate you are in supporting our customers, providing consistent service no matter what. といった言い方ができます。We survived this tough year because of all your hard work. So this holiday season, I am closing our shop between Christmas and New Year’s, so that we can all take time off and get some well-deserved rest. といった対応もできるかもしれません。
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#21): Laying the Groundwork”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. The federal government shutdown continues, and there’s little sign of members of congress meeting across the aisle to engage in substantive discussions. Yet some remain optimistic, believing that lawmakers are discussing behind the scenes in an effort to reach an agreement. While “nemawashi” is a distinct feature of Japanese culture, the practice of quietly conversing or sharing information ahead of time–with the aim to make formal discussions more effective later on–also exists in the U.S. In this issue, I explore expressions we can use to lay the groundwork and prepare behind the scenes.
政府機関や大きな組織の場合、外部委託をする際、部内の承認に時間がかかるため、公式な依頼がすぐにできないことがあります。よく依頼をする業者には、前広にI wanted to give you a heads up that we have a new project coming down the pipeline. We cannot formally book you just yet, but would you be available during these dates? などと聞けます。また、締め切りが迫っている場合には、I’m afraid the deadline is the last day of the month, but it’s highly likely we would get approved to work with you within the next few days. Would you still be able to finish it, and what are your rush fees? と確認することができます。
会議においては、少しでも時間を有効に使えるように事前に議題を話し合い、特に言語の異なる出席者がいる場合には、しっかり読み込めるように資料を送付することがあります。If you have any questions you’d like us to address during the meeting, please let us know so that we can prepare a response or ask the person in charge to attend. といった言葉を添えれば、より丁寧でしょう。さらに、We have kept our presentation materials simple, with only photos, diagrams, and a few bullet points; we will explain the rest verbally. といった形に調整すれば、事前に確認してもらった資料と会議の内容の過度な重複を避けることができます。
仕事上の人脈に対しても、困った時だけ急に相談するのではなく、転職などの機会に連絡を取っておいた方が好印象でしょう。今やSNSで転職を宣言する方が多いですが、新しい連絡先はメールで伝えた方が適切です。My nonprofit strives to strengthen economic relations between the U.S. and Japan, and I’d love to continue working with you in this new capacity. Please allow me to contact you in the future for possible opportunities of collaboration. などと書けば、マスメールであっても、受け取った側としては、個人的に思い出してもらったことを嬉しく思うでしょう。
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#20): How to Give Sincere Compliments”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. Under the current U.S. administration, one’s position, role, and how they are treated seem to be heavily influenced by how much the president personally favors them–resulting in frequent praises of the president by many U.S. cabinet members and foreign governments. In our daily lives, exaggerated expressions often come across as insincere. In this issue, I explore how to offer sincere compliments by conveying respect and genuine appreciation.
まず、相手が一番だと言い切るより、相対的な評価をした方が本心が伝わりやすいでしょう。You’re one of the best bakers in DC. や、No other agency has grown like yours in the past year. などと、「トップの一人」として褒めたり、地域や期間を限定したりすることができます。I believe . . . と冒頭に付けて自分の意見として伝えることもできますが、少しありきたりな表現なので、むしろI’ve never met anyone who plays tennis as beautifully as you do. やYou are the best public speaker I know. などと、「自分の知る限り」という形にした方がもう少しクリエイティブですし、印象に残りやすいでしょう。
小さなことも褒められます。その日最初に会ったときに、（もちろん実際にそう思った時だけですが）相手の服装や持ち物を褒めると、いい雰囲気で一日を始められます。エレベーターなどで一緒になっただけの知らない人同士でも、会話のきっかけになるでしょう。You look beautiful in that outfit. や That color really suits you. などという表現は、女性同士などで使えますが、相手の身体的な見た目に触れるため、場合によってはセクハラになりかねず、注意が必要です。逆に、That’s such a cool umbrella. や What an adorable puppy! などと、直接身に着けていない持ち物やペットを褒めるカジュアルな表現なら、誰も悪い気はしないでしょう。
仕事など中身のあることを褒める場合、自分が上司や顧客なら、Our conferences keep getting better ever since we hired you as an event planner. などと、高く評価していることを淡々と伝えられます。ただ、目下の人から言う場合には、知識や経験が限られているため、I was so inspired by your keynote speech, and can’t wait to put your tips to practice! や I have so much respect for you as one of the most renowned litigators in town. などと個人的な意見として述べた方が丁寧でしょう。
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#19): Thanking Someone for Their Hard Work”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. In the U.S., Labor Day is synonymous with the end of summer. While some may have taken advantage of the holiday to enjoy their last barbecue this year, it is originally meant to be a time to honor and appreciate those who work. In this issue, I explore how to thank those who have worked for a long time or completed major projects.
Good job! はよく知られた表現ですが、軽い印象を与えます。高校生や大学生であれば、壇上に上がってプレゼンをしたクラスメートが隣の席に戻ってきた時などに小声でかける一言となります。こちらに歩いてくる時にいずれにせよ目が合いますし、中身に関係なく、「終わってよかったね」という挨拶です。社会人になって職場で使う場合には、きちんと何がよかったのかに触れ、goodよりも強い表現を使って、You did a wonderful job handling that call from an angry customer. などと褒めます。いずれの場合も、目下もしくは同等の立場の人にかける言葉です。
より大きな仕事を終えた人に対しては、もう少し丁寧な表現を使うとよいでしょう。自分が会員である団体の年次総会に出た後は、帰り際、スタッフにCongratulations for putting together yet another amazing conference. It keeps getting better every year. などと言えば喜ばれるでしょう。ある程度親しければ、You must be exhausted. I’m sure you have more to do, but I hope you can forget everything for tonight and get some well-deserved rest. と労わりの言葉も添えられます。
転職や退職で職場を去る人には、これまでの仕事全体に触れつつお別れを言えます。上司には、It’s been an honor to work with you and learn from the best. Thank you for being such a wonderful, patient, and inspiring boss. などと謝意も込めるのが理想的です。 部下には、With your expertise in marketing, you’ve transformed our organization from a little-known startup to a highly acclaimed brand. Your new company is lucky to have you! などと励ましの言葉も足すとよいでしょう。
ねぎらいの言葉は、日々の業務で疲れている人にもかけられます。同僚には、I’ve noticed that you’ve been staying late every day this week. I’m in between projects now, so can I help in any way? と聞けますし、燃え尽き症候群になりそうな部下には、You seem a bit overwhelmed. Let’s discuss what tasks we could delegate to others. Could you give me a list of your current responsibilities? などと声をかけられます。 レイバー・デーに友人を自宅に呼び、暑い中ずっと裏庭でお肉を焼き続けた人や、家族を海に連れて行った人の多くは、一週間働いた後に週末も活動し、かなり疲れたことと思います。自分のこともねぎらい、秋の忙しさが本格化する前に、少しでも休めることを願っています。
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#18): Preparing for and Responding to Unforeseen Circumstances”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. Many regions in the U.S. and Japan grapple with storms throughout the summer season. Even when they don’t turn into hurricanes or typhoons, sudden storms can cause numerous problems, including flight cancellations and delays, cancellations of outdoor events, and power outages. In this issue, I discuss phrases that can be used to communicate with clients when the services we provide are affected by bad weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
まず、様々なシナリオを検討し、事前にお客様に伝えるべきでしょう。雨天でもある程度柔軟に対応できる場合は、In the event of rain, the wedding ceremony will move indoors, but please understand that it will be standing room only due to the limited space. といった説明で済むでしょう。お客様に迷惑をかける可能性がある場合には、As a small, volunteer-led organization, we are unfortunately unable to provide refunds for weather-related incidents. If we must cancel due to rain, we will email all registered guests by three hours before the start of the performance. などとより丁寧に理解を求めることができます。
それでも想定外のことが起きた場合には、その場でお客様の反応やニーズを見ながら、We apologize that our performers are delayed due to a storm at their departing airport. While we wait for them, we would like to offer everyone a round of free drinks. Please present your ticket to the bartender. などとオファーできます。内輪の集まりであれば、あまり謝罪に力を入れることなく、Our musical guests are currently stuck in traffic, so we borrowed a boombox and a few mics from the venue. Why don’t we start the party early by enjoying some karaoke? などと楽しく盛り上げていけるかもしれません。
緊急時への備えも重要です。イベントの開会挨拶の前には必ず、The exits are to your right and behind you. In case of fire or other emergencies, please follow the exit signs and wait outside the building for further instructions. などと一言説明するとよいでしょう。実際に何かあった場合には、Please remain calm, tread carefully, and do not push others. There are multiple exits, so please look up and find the one closest to you instead of following everyone else. と繰り返し、雑踏事故を防ぐことが重要です。病気やけがといった個人の緊急事態に関しても、We want to protect your health and safety while you enjoy the concert. If you feel ill or sustain any injuries, please speak to a staff member nearby or head to the medical tent at the entrance of the park. などと言えます。
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#17): How to Protest in Writing”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. While protests against ICE raids and other topics continue across the United States, some demonstrations have turned violent, and troops have been deployed under the pretext of maintaining order. In some cases, there seems to be a real risk of injury or arrest, and physically making a protest has become more challenging. In this issue, I discuss how to protest in writing, not only in relation to politics, but also in matters related to everyday life.
まず、相手に直接抗議する場合。メールや書簡で、We have found extensive damage to your dorm room. Please pay the fines immediately, or you will forfeit the right to stay with us next year. など、相手に求める行動と、その言葉に従わなければどのようなことになるかを具体的に示すとよいでしょう。逆に、新聞など多くの人が見る場では、In the article “The Best Hotel Restaurants in Town” that was published yesterday, you called our French pastries “inauthentic.” As the restaurant’s pastry chef, let me illustrate why that is not the case. などと反論投稿を書けば、風評被害を抑えるとともに宣伝も兼ねた抗議をすることができます。
訴訟などを通じて相手と非公開のやり取りをしていても、既にメディアに大きく取り上げられている場合には、三人称を使った声明を出すこともできます。The university is proud to remain a global institution that welcomes students from every country, and reiterates its call for an immediate reversal of the government’s decision. などと書けば、相手にさらなる圧力をかけるとともに、問題に真剣に取り組んでいることを組織内外に示すことができます。
直接被害に遭った当事者でないものの、関連機関として抗議をすることもあるでしょう。国連は、We strongly condemn these atrocious acts that violate basic human rights. といった表現をよく使いますが、特定の国ではなくその国による行動だけを非難する、曖昧な言い回しとして批判されがちです。中立的でなければならない組織なら仕方のないことですが、ほとんどの場合は、As an organization dedicated to Asian American history, we greatly oppose the public library’s decision to take down the webpage recounting the story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and request that they restore it immediately.
