Japanese Business Phrases: How to Say "Here is My Reservation Number"
Confirming reservations in Japanese business settings requires specific phrases and proper etiquette. Whether you're checking into a hotel, attending a business event, or arriving at a restaurant, knowing how to present your reservation information professionally is essential for smooth interactions in Japan.
Learning Focus
This lesson teaches you how to politely present reservation information in Japanese business contexts. You'll learn vocabulary related to bookings and confirmations, proper grammar structures, and culturally appropriate ways to interact with staff when showing your reservation details.
Today's Essential Phrase
Breaking Down the Components
Japanese has both casual and polite forms for pointing words (demonstratives):
- これ (kore) → こちら (kochira) - this → this [polite]
- それ (sore) → そちら (sochira) - that → that [polite]
- あれ (are) → あちら (achira) - that over there → that over there [polite]
In business settings, always use the polite forms. Saying "こちらです" (kochira desu) instead of "これです" (kore desu) sounds more refined and professional.
Industry-Specific Usage
Hotels
When checking in, hotel staff will often ask for your reservation information with "ご予約のお名前または予約番号をお願いいたします" (go-yoyaku no o-namae mata wa yoyaku bangō o onegai itashimasu - "May I have the name or reservation number for your booking?"). Respond with today's phrase while showing your confirmation email or reservation app screen.
Transportation
When picking up reserved tickets for the Shinkansen (bullet train) or flights, this phrase is essential. Say "予約番号はこちらです" while showing your confirmation screen or a note with your reservation number. Station attendants will typically respond with "少々お待ちください" (shōshō omachi kudasai - "Please wait a moment").
Business Events
When checking in at business seminars or exhibitions, use this phrase at the reception desk. Often, you'll receive a registration number or QR code in advance, which you can present with "参加登録番号はこちらです" (sanka tōroku bangō wa kochira desu - "Here is my registration number").
Restaurants
At upscale or popular restaurants, reservation numbers are often issued. When arriving, say "予約しております。予約番号はこちらです" (yoyaku shite orimasu. Yoyaku bangō wa kochira desu - "I have a reservation. Here is my reservation number"). In Japan, it's considered good manners to arrive 10 minutes before your reservation time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using casual forms: Phrases like "この番号です" (kono bangō desu) or "これが予約番号" (kore ga yoyaku bangō) are fine with friends but considered impolite in business settings. Always use "こちら" (kochira) and maintain polite language.
- Incorrect pronunciation of numbers: When reading out a reservation number, don't separate the digits like "イチ・ニー・サン・ヨン" (i-chi・ni-i・sa-n・yo-n). Instead, read them smoothly as "いちにさんよん" (ichi-ni-san-yon).
- Voice tone and volume: In Japanese business settings, a moderate, composed tone of voice is appropriate. Avoid speaking too loudly, especially in public places.
- Eye contact approaches: While sustained direct eye contact is valued in Western cultures, in Japan, prolonged direct eye contact can make people uncomfortable. Make brief eye contact, then shift your gaze to the reservation details you're showing.
The word "番号" is pronounced "bangō" (ばんごう), not "bankō" (ばんこう). This pronunciation mistake is common among foreigners. Also, be careful not to lengthen the "yo" in "yoyaku" - it should not sound like "yōyaku" (ヨーヤク).
Business Etiquette Points
- When presenting reservation information, always use both hands to hold out your phone or printed confirmation. Using just one hand can be considered casual or disrespectful in Japanese business culture.
- Include a slight bow (nodding your head) when presenting your information. A deep bow isn't necessary, but the small head movement shows respect.
- If you can't find your reservation number immediately, avoid showing frustration or impatience. Instead, calmly say "申し訳ございません、少々お時間をいただけますか" (mōshiwake gozaimasen, shōshō o-jikan o itadakemasu ka - "I'm sorry, could I have a moment, please?").
- While staff are checking your reservation, it's considered impolite to rush them. In Japanese culture, pressuring someone to hurry can be seen as disrespectful.
- Once your reservation is confirmed, always express gratitude with "ありがとうございます" (arigatō gozaimasu). Expressions of thanks are a crucial element of Japanese business culture.
Related Business Vocabulary
Role-Play Scenarios
Scenario 1: Hotel Check-in
Scenario 2: Business Seminar Registration
Similar Expressions
Quick Quiz
1. What does 番号 (bangō) mean?
2. Which is more polite: これ (kore) or こちら (kochira)?
3. How do you pronounce 予約?
4. What gesture should accompany presenting your reservation?
Pronunciation Tips
Pronounce "yo" and "ya" with equal length. Be careful not to elongate the "yo" sound as "yōyaku." The final "ku" is pronounced with the glottis closed slightly and is softer than in English.
Practice: yo-ya-ku (よ・や・く) with even timing
The "b" in "ba" is voiced, made by closing the lips slightly and then opening them. The "n" sound is nasal, made in the back of the throat. The "g" in "gō" is also voiced - be careful not to confuse it with a "k" sound. The "ō" is slightly elongated.
Practice: ban-gō (ばん・ごう) - nasal "n", voiced "g", and longer "ō"
Pronounce "ko" without rounding your lips. For "chi," lightly touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth and let air pass to make a "ch" sound that's softer than in English. The "ra" sound is somewhere between an English "r" and "l" - touch the tip of your tongue lightly to the roof of your mouth.
Practice: ko-chi-ra (こ・ち・ら) - soft "chi" and single-tap "ra"
The "de" sounds similar to the beginning of English "day" but shorter. The "u" in "su" is usually barely pronounced. In natural business speech, "desu" sounds closer to "des" with the "u" nearly silent.
Practice: de(s) - with the "u" very soft, almost silent
Cultural Context
The seemingly simple phrase "予約番号はこちらです" reflects several important elements of Japanese business culture:
Preparation (準備 - Junbi)
In Japanese business culture, advance preparation is highly valued. Being able to immediately present your reservation number demonstrates that you're properly prepared, which enhances your professional image. This concept of "preparation" is a Japanese cultural value seen across all business contexts, from meetings to presentations.
Unspoken Understanding (以心伝心 - Ishin-denshin)
Japanese culture values "understanding without saying" (ishin-denshin). When presenting a reservation number, concisely saying "予約番号はこちらです" while showing the information allows for smooth communication without excess explanation. Over-explaining might be interpreted as doubting the other person's ability to understand.
Harmony (和 - Wa)
"Wa" (harmony) is a fundamental value in Japanese society. Even in everyday interactions like confirming reservations, maintaining appropriate expressions and manners helps preserve smooth interpersonal relationships and social harmony. If you can't find your reservation information right away, staying calm and composed rather than showing frustration is important for maintaining "wa."
Form and Process (型 - Kata)
In Japanese business culture, form and etiquette are considered as important as content. When presenting a reservation number, proper language, appropriate body language, and a polite attitude are all required. Practicing these "forms" correctly contributes to your evaluation as a business person. The Japanese sometimes express this as "entering through form" (kata kara hairu).
Practice Challenge
Practice using today's phrase in the following situations:
- You're checking into a business hotel in Tokyo for a conference
- You arrive at a high-end restaurant for an important business dinner
- You're picking up Shinkansen tickets reserved online
- You're registering at the reception desk for an international trade show
Regular practice of these scenarios will help you become more confident in real business situations. Remember to practice not just the words but also appropriate body language and attitude.
Japanese language learning often follows the concept of "kata" (form). Try to learn this expression as a complete pattern that you can apply in appropriate situations. It might feel a bit mechanical at first, but with practice, it will become natural. This approach follows the traditional Japanese learning concept of "shu-ha-ri" (守破離): first follow the form exactly (shu), then understand it (ha), and finally make it your own (ri).
Master More Business Japanese Phrases
Ready to expand your professional Japanese vocabulary? Join our Patreon community for exclusive weekly lessons on essential business phrases, cultural insights, and personalized pronunciation guidance from Taiki Hika Sensei.
Join on Patreon
Comments
Post a Comment