“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.
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#16): How to Get Through Uncertain Times”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. Federal policies in the U.S. are changing at a dizzying pace, and worrisome news continue to flood the headlines. With ongoing layoffs at government agencies and funding cuts to academic institutions, many might be anxious whether their industry or field will be next. In this issue, I explore how we might alleviate some of these concerns and comfort one another during these uncertain times.
After I submitted this piece, the ICE raids started. I am shocked by how immigrants are suddenly taken away, as well as the administration’s decision to send the National Guard to counter protestors in Los Angeles. I sincerely hope that everyone remains safe, and that things calm down as quickly as possible.
まず、自分の運営する組織が資金打ち切りや関税の影響で経済的に苦しくなる可能性が高い場合。幹部の従業員に対しては、Let’s create a task force and meet weekly to discuss other funding sources, such as state government agencies and private foundations. などと言えますし、担当プログラムの資金が打ち切られて解雇されることを心配している部下に対しても、透明性を高く持ち、Your concern is completely understandable. I don’t have a clear solution yet, but we are working on diversifying our income. In the meantime, let’s talk with other colleagues about how we might adjust your portfolio. などと言えるでしょう。
国際開発や教育などで働いている方は、業界自体が混乱に陥り、不安に駆られている場合が多いでしょう。長らく働いた後で職を失った友人には、If you have enough savings, this may be an opportunity to pursue other areas you’re interested in. と言って、興味がある分野を一緒に書き出したり、スキル向上の機会について話し合ったりできるかもしれません。逆に、ちょうど開発分野の修士号を取得した若手などには、Don’t give up on the industry just yet! Now that the U.S. is pulling away, other entities like international organizations and nonprofits probably have a greater need than ever. This might be a good time to work in developing countries. などと提案できるでしょう。
まだ直接影響を受けていなくても、ニュースを見るだけで不安になるという人もいるでしょう。そういった友人に対しては、We have to hope for the best but prepare for the worst! If you’re worried about your job, why don’t we update our resumes and take evening classes together to gain more skills? とキャリアに関する提案をしたり、Maybe you can limit your news browsing to the morning and lunch time. After work hours, why don’t you turn off the news alerts and read a good book instead, so that you can go to bed happier? と生活に関するアドバイスをしたりできます。
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#15): How to Compromise–and How Not to”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. People around the world are now nervously following updates on their countries’ tariff negotiations with the U.S. Throughout history, we have always negotiated with each other on a wide range of topics. In this issue, I discuss how to compromise on certain points–while maintaining our position in areas where we cannot give in.
ビジネスで妥協しやすい点の一つは、値段や個数かもしれません。新規のお客様から値下げをお願いされたら、While we are unable to lower our costs permanently, we are happy to offer a one-time 50% discount on our annual fee. などと申し出ることができます。常日頃お世話になっている顧客なら、To thank you for your patronage, we will include three free samples of our latest product in every shipment. などと言えます。
プライベートでも妥協することは多いでしょう。ルームメイトと家事を分担するときは、How about we take turns cooking dinner from Monday through Thursday, and dine on our own on other days? などと提案することができます。同居を始めたばかりのカップルなど、ある程度親しければ、How about I pay a higher portion of the rent while you look for a job? We can discuss again how we split it once you find a full-time position. などと申し出ることもできます。
他方、譲れない点はしっかりと守らなければなりません。何がネックかを明確にすれば、状況も改善されやすいでしょう。組織としては、As a cleaning service, we must protect our employees’ safety. Unless these wobbly stairs are fixed, I’m afraid we’re unable to come work for you. などと主張できます。また、たとえば保護者としては、Our child’s wellbeing is most important to us. If you cannot clearly explain your lunch options for food allergies, we must choose another school. などと強く言うこともできます。
異なる要望を組み合わせることも可能です。対面で参加したい人としたくない人、参加費を払える人と払えない人がいるイベントの場合、To accommodate all members, this seminar is presented in a hybrid format: online attendees are welcome to attend for free, while in-person attendees are requested to pay $50 for the post-seminar networking lunch in DC. などと言えます。
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#14): How to Explain Why You Need to Increase Your Prices”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. Inflation in the United States shows no signs of slowing down, and we are all worried about the likelihood of tariffs resulting in even higher prices. For U.S.-based individuals who have Japanese customers or employers, the weak yen continues to worsen an already dire situation. Many people may have no choice but to raise the price of their products or services in order to continue operating their businesses. In this issue, I discuss how to explain price increases logically yet respectfully, in a way that would gain customers’ understanding.
加工食品などを売っている場合、原材料の価格高騰、流通における課題などによって最終製品の料金も上げざるを得ないのは、消費者もよくあることとして理解していると思います。Due to the avian flu outbreak, we have had to temporarily raise the prices of our omelets. や、Because of the challenge in obtaining flour, a key ingredient for our bread, we have made the difficult decision to raise its price. などといった説明ができるでしょう。
より難しいのは、人件費など、外部から見えづらい理由で料金を上げる場合です。フリーランスで働いていて、生活が厳しくなったときなどは、Due to the higher cost of living in recent years, I have decided to increase my daily rate, and humbly ask for your understanding. などとお客様にお願いできます。組織内での人件費について対外的に説明するときには、We apologize for the higher prices—they are the result of our endeavor to ensure that our employees’ salaries match industry standards. などと言えます。さらに、As a family-owned business, we cherish the employees who have worked for us for decades, and appreciate your investment and trust in us. などと補足すれば、理解を得やすいでしょう。
値段はそのままにしつつ、製品やサービスの中身を見直すことも可能です。市場に大きく出回っている製品はいつの間にか一袋あたりの個数が減ったりしていますが、個人的なビジネスのやり取りでは、きちんと変化を報告した方が誠意が感じられるでしょう。As you know, our design package previously included three rounds of edits, but we have recently updated that to two. If you are unhappy with the final version, a third round can be added for $100. などと、何が変わったかを明確にするとよいでしょう。Some past clients have told us that they did not need three rounds, so we believe this update would be more efficient in terms of time and cost. などと合理的に説明できれば、批判されにくく、お客様の声に耳を傾けるビジネスとして逆に評価されるかもしれません。
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#13): How to Discuss a Change in Career”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. Since the start of the new administration, more and more people throughout the United States have been laid off or are at risk. Many federal government employees have been let go, nonprofit organizations are facing financial difficulties due to the freeze on government funding, and DEI positions are being cut in both the public and private sectors. This isn’t just about jobs; entire careers–into which many have doubtless poured so much of their time, energy, and passion–are in jeopardy. Some people may feel that they have no choice but to seek a new direction, at least temporarily. In this issue, I examine how, even under such challenging circumstances, one can write about career change in a positive way in their cover letters and other documents.
I wondered quite a bit whether it was ok for me to discuss this topic. Although many of my friends and acquaintances have been laid off or are worried about the risk of that happening, its impact hasn’t yet hit my industry in a significant way. Since I haven’t gone through what they have, I was unsure whether I had the right to discuss it. And I can only imagine how painful and frustrating it must be to consider leaving a field that may have been a lifelong dream. Even if switching careers could be a temporary measure until the administration changes again, it’s hard to say how long this turbulence would last. Having an outsider suggest a career change likely only sounds thoughtless and insensitive.
On the other hand, I wanted to do anything I could to help–even if all I can do is show support. And because I know so many people who are impacted, I felt compelled to discuss it, at least to convey to people in Japan and elsewhere what’s happening in DC. And putting aside all the ongoing chaos, many of us will likely consider a career change someday in any case. Even in the darkest of times, I believe there are steps we can take to ensure a brighter future.
仕方なく応募する人より、自分の意志でチャンスを探しに来た人の方が雇う側には魅力的に映ります。最初に出すカバーレターでは、While I have worked with government agencies for most of my career, I am now interested in broadening my experience through opportunities in the private sector. といった書き方が賢明でしょう。その後書類審査を通り、「所属機関が閉鎖されそうだから転職するのか」などと面接で聞かれて初めて、The changing landscape is certainly a factor, but I was hoping to diversify my career in any case. と答えた方がよさそうです。
政府は官僚主義的なイメージが強いため、民間企業のスピードを経験したいというのもよい応募理由かもしれません。While I’m proud of the crisis communications skills I honed after fielding hundreds of daily calls during the LA Wildfires, I’d now like to challenge myself by working in the media relations team of a fast-growing brand like yours. といった書き方ができます。
今や連邦機関より安定していそうな州政府や自治体に移る方もいるかもしれません。Building upon my experience in the federal government, I’m now keen to return to my hometown and give back by working with the city council. などと書けば、故郷に貢献したい強い意志が感じられるでしょう。
最も大きな方向転換をせざるを得ないのがDEIや国際援助に携わってきた方々かもしれませんが、その場合も、スキル、知識、ネットワークなどをアピールできます。After supporting minority business owners by using Spanish daily, I am confident that my language skills would prove useful to a multinational company like yours. や、I have strong relations with the CSR offices of several Fortune 500 companies. While my contact with them was through the gender rights conference I managed, I would be able to write to them for any kind of sponsorship. といった表現ができます。
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#12): How to Make a Complaint”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. It’s hard to believe that we are only a month into 2025, as disasters, wars, and political turmoil continue around the world. The Japanese tradition of Setsubun–warding off evil spirits at the beginning of February by throwing beans–seems more relevant than ever. But in the real world, we can’t get rid of someone by throwing beans at them. It’s more appropriate to seek improvement by filing a complaint or giving a warning. In this issue, I discuss how to logically communicate your feelings to someone important–such as your boss or client–and convince them to respond.
感情的にならないよう、最初は口頭ではなく文章での連絡がよいかもしれません。また、急に本題に入るのではなく、日頃お世話になっていることへの感謝などを冒頭に述べるとよいでしょう。その後、本題の段落は、I’m emailing to ask about the HR announcement that came out yesterday. や、 I’ve had some time to consider our discussion last week, and would like to address this in writing. といった一文から始めることができます。
怒りやフラストレーションを落ち着いた形で表すのに効果的な言葉は複数あります。I am disappointed that I still have not been paid despite several reminders over the past two months. や、I was greatly surprised to see that I did not receive a promotion despite what you promised last year. といった言い方ができます。さらに強い言葉を使いたい場合は、After our discussion last month, I had been looking forward to being transferred to the new branch—and I’m heartbroken that that would not be the case. などと言うこともできます。
次に、相手にどうしてほしいかを具体的に提示します。I’d like to request a meeting so that I can better understand what happened. Would you please tell me when you’re available in the next two weeks? や、Please kindly remit the payment as soon as possible. などと述べます。
締めの言葉は、最後に残す印象を左右します。雰囲気を和らげたい場合には、If there’s anything I can do to make the payment process easier for you, please let me know. などと前向きな言葉を使うとよいでしょう。幾度目かの連絡となり、今回の件が解決すれば関係を断ち切る覚悟がある場合には、Otherwise, I may be forced to take legal action. などと厳しい言葉を足すことができます。
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#11): How to Express Solidarity”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. December is usually an enjoyable month filled with parties and holidays spent with family. But this December, many–especially those of us in the United States–are likely feeling anxious about the coming year(s). According to media reports, following the elections last month, harassment of women and Black people are already on the rise. Regardless of our political opinions, any minority could become a target of hatred and violence. In this issue, I examine how we can comfort one another, express solidarity, and face this challenge together.
米国における政治的分断は悪化する一方ですが、普段付き合いのある人と大体考えが似ているのは、悩みを共有しやすいという意味ではありがたいことです。具体的な話に入るほどの親しさでなくとも、ちょっとしたやり取りの中で、There’s a lot going on, but I hope you’re hanging in there. と一言足したり、I’m here if you’d ever like to talk about anything. We’re all in this together. と声をかけたりできます。
また、頻繁に政治家の批判の対象となっている中南米の移民、戸別訪問をしたりしてハリス副大統領の選挙活動に積極的に携わっていた人たちなど、より辛い立場にいるであろう人は多くいます。そういった人たちに対し、I can only imagine how much more difficult it must be for you. と手を差し伸べたり、I was shocked to hear about his latest policy on immigrants, but are you and your family doing ok? と聞いたりすることができます。
お互いに行動を呼びかけることもできます。コミュニティで活動する米国籍の人には、I think you’re a wonderful leader. If you ever run for office, I would love to support you! と支持を表明できます。また、デモ行進や抗議に参加することは、たとえ具体的な成果につながらなかったとしても、同志に囲まれてほっとする機会となります。Why don’t we have brunch on Sunday, and join this march afterwards? と何かのついでに行けば、今まで政治的なことに抵抗のあった人も誘いやすいかもしれません。また、いずれにせよお金を使うなら、支援できる相手を考え、This is a list of women-owned businesses in the DC area. Do you want to check out any of them with me? と友人に声をかけたり、Let’s go support immigrants! と、移民が家族で営む小さなレストランに出かけたりするだけでも一つの行動です。
