3 English Phrases Japanese Professionals Overuse – and What to Say Instead

From Good to Great 

(正しい英語」から「洗練された英語」へ）

You’re fluent, polite, and professional — but are you accidentally saying the same three English phrases as every other Japanese businessperson? 

So you do speak English. You’ve studied hard, passed tests, survived meetings, and maybe even given a few presentations in English. Most people would say you’re “good enough.”

But here’s the truth:
Even though your English is correct, it may not be helping you stand out as a global professional.

The Problem with “Safe” English

Many Japanese business professionals rely on a set of familiar phrases that are technically fine — but often overused, vague, or overly humble.
Think:

• “Let’s do our best.”

• “I’m sorry I’m not good at English.”

• “I think so too.”

These expressions are polite and well-meaning, but in fast-paced international business settings, they can make your communication feel flat, junior, or unsure.

世界では、英語はただ「伝わればOK」ではなく、「どう伝えるか」が評価されます。

Why Upgrading Your Phrases Matters

When you replace generic English with precise, polished language, you immediately sound more confident, credible, and globally aware.
Small changes in phrasing = big changes in how people perceive you.

✅ It shows that you’re not just fluent — you’re strategic.
✅ It builds trust with overseas clients, colleagues, and partners.
✅ It positions you as someone ready for leadership on a global stage.

Think of it as the difference between wearing a clean white shirt… and wearing a perfectly tailored suit. Both are fine. But only one makes people take notice.

Let’s Step Up — Together

This post will show you 3 common English phrases many Japanese professionals overuse — and offer smarter, more impactful alternatives. You’ll learn why these swaps matter, and how to sound more like the global communicator you already are.

目的: 学校で学んだ英語から、世界で通用する洗練された英語へステップアップ！

Ready? Let’s polish your business English — one phrase at a time.

🟢 Phrase #1: “Let’s do our best.”

（よく使う英語フレーズ①：「Let’s do our best.」）

❌ Why It’s Overused (and Slightly Awkward)

If you’ve studied English in Japan, chances are you’ve used this phrase many times.
“Let’s do our best” is a direct translation of 「頑張りましょう」— a warm, encouraging expression we often use in Japanese workplaces, schools, and sports clubs.

But in English-speaking business environments, this phrase can sound:

• Vague and non-committal

• A bit childish or overly casual

• Lacking in clarity, direction, and confidence

💬 Imagine this at the end of a high-stakes client meeting:
“OK everyone, let’s do our best!”
It may feel positive, but to global ears, it sounds like you’re not sure what to do next.

✅ What to Say Instead

Here are more natural, goal-focused expressions that better match the tone of international business:

Pro Tip: In English-speaking environments, encouragement often comes from clarity and direction, not just “がんばろう” energy.

🎤 Mini Coaching Moment

If you’re in a leadership or mid-level management role, how you motivate others matters. Generic phrases like “Do your best” may sound supportive in Japanese, but in English, they often feel non-committal. To inspire action, use language that includes:

✅ Clear outcomes
✅ Shared responsibility
✅ Confidence in your team

Try this:

“We’ve come this far — I know we can finish strong.”
→ It’s supportive, motivating, and still very professional.

📝 Practice Time

Next time you’re in a meeting or sending a team email, try one of these alternatives in context:

📧 Example Email Ending

“Thanks, everyone — let’s stay focused and hit our numbers this week.”
（ありがとうございます。今週は集中して目標を達成しましょう。）

🗣️ Meeting Close Example

“Great work so far. I’m confident we’ll finish on time if we keep the momentum going.”
（これまでの進捗は素晴らしいです。この調子で進めば、予定通り終えられると確信しています。）

🟢 Phrase #2: “I’m sorry I’m not good at English.”

（よく使う英語フレーズ②：「I’m sorry I’m not good at English.」）

---

❌ Why This Hurts More Than Helps

This phrase is used everywhere by hardworking Japanese professionals — especially in international meetings, emails, or when introducing themselves.
You want to be humble. You want to set expectations. You want to be polite.

But here’s the problem:

🙈 Saying “I’m sorry I’m not good at English”:

• Undermines your credibility, even before you speak

• Reinforces a negative stereotype about Japanese English speakers

• Shifts the focus away from your ideas and onto your insecurities

 In global business, confidence is currency. Even if your English isn’t perfect (and whose is?), people trust those who communicate clearly and believe in themselves.

 キーワード例:

• 英語に自信がない

• 日本人 英語 謝りすぎ

• 自然な英語表現

• business English communication

---

✅ What to Say Instead

These alternatives help you sound confident, professional, and approachable — without pretending your English is perfect.

✅ Alternative Phrase	💬 When to Use It	🇯🇵 日本語訳例
“Please let me know if anything is unclear.”	Welcoming feedback during a presentation or email	「不明な点があれば教えてください」
“Thanks for your patience as I explain.”	When you’re about to describe something complex	「ご説明に少し時間がかかりますが、よろしくお願いします」
“Feel free to rephrase if I miss something.”	In real-time conversation or video calls	「聞き取れなかった場合は、言い換えてください」
“Let me double-check I understood you correctly.”	Clarifying information without sounding unsure	「きちんと理解できているか確認させてください」

 

💡 These phrases show active listening, collaboration, and self-awareness — not weakness.

---

🎤 Mini Coaching Moment

Saying “sorry” too much is a cultural habit, not a necessity.
In Japanese, being modest and apologetic builds harmony.
But in English-speaking business settings, over-apologizing can make you seem insecure or passive — even when you’re not.

Here’s a mindset shift:
🚫 Don’t apologize for your English.
✅ Own your message, and support the listener in understanding it.

It’s not about perfect English — it’s about purposeful English.

---

📝 Practice Time

📧 Email Example

“I’ll walk through the key points briefly. Please let me know if anything is unclear.”
（要点を簡潔にご説明します。不明な点があればお知らせください。）

🗣️ Meeting Example

“I appreciate your patience as I explain this next part — it’s a little detailed.”
（この後の説明は少し細かくなりますが、よろしくお願いします。）

✅ Notice: These phrases keep you in control of the conversation without sounding apologetic.

---

🟢 Phrase #3: “I think so too.”

（よく使う英語フレーズ③：「I think so too.」）

---

❌ Why It’s Flat (Even If It’s Technically Correct)

“I think so too” is grammatically correct.
It’s polite. It’s safe. It’s used often in textbooks and classrooms across Japan.

But in real-world business communication — especially at a professional or executive level — it sounds neutral, uninspired, and often too basic for the situation.

📉 When you say:

“I think so too.”
You may unintentionally sound:

• Passive

• Unengaged

• Like you’re just agreeing without thinking

And that’s a missed opportunity — because agreement in business isn’t just about saying “yes.” It’s about building on the idea, showing critical thinking, and adding value to the conversation.

🌐 キーワード例:

• よく使う英語表現

• 英語 ビジネス 意見を述べる

• advanced business English

• 英語表現 言い換え

---

✅ What to Say Instead

Here are more polished, natural-sounding phrases that express agreement with intention:

✅ Alternative Phrase	💬 When to Use It	🇯🇵 日本語訳例
“I completely agree with your point about ___.”	Agreeing while pointing to something specific	「〜の点について、まったく同感です」
“That aligns with what we’ve been seeing on our side.”	When data or team experience matches	「こちらの状況とも一致しています」
“I share your view, especially regarding ___.”	In more formal meetings or written feedback	「特に〜に関しては、私も同じ見解を持っています」
“That’s exactly what I was thinking.”	In smaller or casual discussions	「まさに私も同じことを考えていました」

 

🧠 These phrases make you sound like a thoughtful contributor, not just a passive listener.

---

🎤 Mini Coaching Moment

In Japanese culture, silence or brief agreement often communicates respect and harmony.
But in English-speaking business environments, you’re expected to:

• Add insight

• Connect your ideas

• Show that you’re actively listening

💡 Replace “I think so too” with expressions that show alignment and intention.

You don’t need to say more — you just need to say it better.

---

📝 Practice Time

📧 Email Example

“I completely agree with your point about streamlining the workflow — we’ve had similar challenges on our end as well.”
（業務の効率化に関するご意見に完全に同意します。こちらでも同様の課題がありました。）

🗣️ Meeting Example

“That aligns with what we’ve been seeing from client feedback, especially in the APAC region.”
（特にアジア太平洋地域での顧客フィードバックと一致しています。）

✅ These responses sound more engaged, strategic, and globally aware — exactly the impression you want to make.

Bonus: What Makes English Sound “Polished”?

（ボーナス：グローバルビジネスで通用する「洗練された英語」とは？）

You’ve now seen how small changes in phrasing can dramatically shift how you’re perceived. But what exactly gives English that “polished,” professional edge — especially in global business settings?

Hint: It’s not big vocabulary or native-like speed.

Let’s break down the difference between “correct” English and “confident, global” English.

🌐 SEO Keywords:

• 洗練された英語

• ビジネス英語 上級

• high-level business English

• グローバル人材 英語スキル

🧩 Element #1: Precision > Politeness

Many Japanese professionals default to overly vague or soft language out of politeness.
While this works beautifully in Japanese, English often values clarity, direction, and specificity more.

Compare:

🧠 When in doubt, go for clear over cautious.

🎯 Element #2: Tone that Matches Your Role

In English-speaking business environments, your tone = your presence.
A manager, team lead, or executive should sound decisive, collaborative, and forward-thinking — not unsure or overly humble.

💡 Tip: Confidence doesn’t mean arrogance. It means owning your message.

🛠️ Element #3: Building, Not Just Replying

Advanced communicators don’t just answer questions — they build conversations.
That means:

• Echoing key points

• Adding supporting examples

• Asking thoughtful follow-up questions

👂 Example:

“I agree with your analysis of the U.S. market. Have you considered how this might affect APAC next quarter?”

This shows you’re not just fluent — you’re thinking globally.

🌟「会話に参加する」のではなく、「会話をリードする」レベルを目指しましょう。

📌 Quick Summary: How to Sound More Polished

✅ Use clear, direct language over vague phrases
✅ Match your tone to your position and goals
✅ Add value by building on ideas, not just agreeing
✅ Avoid over-apologizing — focus on communication, not perfection

From Textbook to Trustworthy

You already know how to speak English.
Now, it’s time to refine how you speak, so that your language reflects your experience, professionalism, and potential.

「正しい英語」から「伝わる英語」へ。
「通じる英語」から「信頼される英語」へ。

🎤 Want to reduce your accent and sound more global?

（アクセントを直して、伝わる英語を話したい方へ）

Your grammar is fine — but do people ask you to repeat yourself in meetings?
In this post, learn practical accent reduction tips that still respect your natural voice.
こちらをお読みください – 日本のビジネスプロフェッショナルのためのアクセント矯正のヒント

ビジネス英語でよくある発音ミス、直しませんか？

R/LやTHの音でつまずいていませんか？
日本人に多い発音ミスとその直し方を、わかりやすく解説！
Meetings・emails・presentationsで信頼される発音を身につけましょう。Business English Pronunciation Fixes for Japanese Professionals

（まとめと行動のすすめ：「英語力」から「影響力」へ）

Let’s recap what we’ve learned in this guide:

🔄 3 Overused Phrases (And What to Say Instead)

🎯 These swaps are small, but the impact is big.
They shift you from “good enough” to globally confident.

📈 Why This Matters

If you want to:

• Lead global projects

• Build trust with international partners

• Communicate ideas that get noticed and respected

…then your English needs to do more than just avoid mistakes. It needs to carry authority, clarity, and executive presence.

💼 英語はツールではなく、「あなたの価値を伝える武器」になります。

You don’t need to sound like a native speaker.
You just need to sound like you — the smart, capable, and strategic professional you already are.

Ready to Go Beyond Phrases? Your Next Step Starts Here.

Reading this post means you care about how you show up in English — and that’s powerful.

But here’s the truth:
✅ Real change happens when you practice consistently,
✅ Learn from executive-level examples,
✅ And surround yourself with tools that match your ambition.

That’s exactly why we created Eigo Edge.

📘 Get the Book: Eigo Edge – Executive English for Japanese Professionals

（日本人ビジネスパーソンのための実践ビジネス英語フレーズ集）

If you found this article helpful, you’ll love what’s inside Eigo Edge:

✅ Real-life email templates & meeting examples
✅ Sections for presentations, negotiations, and leadership-level English.

…..and much much more!

🎯 Designed for:
上級レベルの日本人ビジネスパーソン、マネージャー、グローバル案件を担当する方。

📕 購入はこちらから ➤（Kindle & Paperback now available on Amazon Japan.）

📬 Subscribe: Your Weekly Edge – at the bottom of this page!

Don’t stop here. Get one high-impact business phrase in your inbox every week — with:

• Real-world usage examples

• Japanese explanation

• Email/meeting templates

• Mini pronunciation tips

📩 無料で登録する

Take the First Step Toward Global Confidence

Your English doesn’t need to be native —
It needs to be natural, strategic, and respected.

Start small. Be consistent. And let Eigo Edge be your shortcut to sounding like the global professional you already are.

Arigato Gozaimasu!