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How to Say ‘Thank you for your time today.’ in Japanese

本日はよろしくお願いいたします。

honjitsu wa yoroshiku o negai itashi masu

[hon-jee-tsoo wah yoh-roh-SHEE-koo oh neh-guy ee-TAH-shee mahs]

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is the standard opening line of a Japanese interview, said with a bow as you enter or sit down. Interviewers often say it too, and it can close the interview as well. It's far more expected than any literal "thank you".

Phrase Breakdown

本日は

honjitsu wa

today

A formal word for 'today', used instead of 今日 in business settings. Say 'honjitsu wa'. The は is pronounced 'wa'.

Example

本日は休みです。

We are closed today.

Words in this phrase

本日

honjitsu

[hon-jee-tsoo]

today; this day

A polite/formal way to say 'today,' often used in business situations and speeches.

Example

本日はお忙しい中ありがとうございます。

Thank you for your time today despite your busy schedule.

は

[wah]

topic marker; as for

Marks 'today' as the topic. Written は but pronounced 'wa.'

Example

本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。

Thank you for giving me your time today.

よろしくお願いいたします。

yoroshiku o negai itashi masu

I look forward to working with you / thank you in advance

A very polite set phrase, common at the start of interviews and meetings. Say 'yoroshiku onegai itashimasu'.

Example

これからよろしくお願いいたします。

I look forward to working with you from now on.

Words in this phrase

よろしく

yoroshiku

[yoh-roh-SHEE-koo]

kindly; best regards

Adverb used in requests asking for someone's goodwill.

Example

よろしくお願いします。

Thank you in advance.

お

[oh]

honorific prefix used in polite expressions

The polite prefix お makes the following word sound more courteous.

Example

お願いできますか。

Could you please do that?

願い

negai

[neh-guy]

request; favor

願い refers to a wish or request, and in お願い it forms a polite request expression.

Example

お願いがあります。

I have a request.

いたし

itashi

[ee-TAH-shee]

do (humble)

Humble form of する, used about one's own actions.

Example

ご案内いたします。

I will show you the way.

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite verb ending

A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.

Example

予約を確認します。

I will confirm the reservation.

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