今期に会社に入社しました
よろしくお願いします
Introduction to Japanese Business Expressions
Today we’re learning two crucial expressions for business Japanese. These phrases are essential when introducing yourself at a new workplace in Japan. Whether you’re preparing for JLPT N4-N3 or planning to work in Japan, mastering these formal expressions is vital for making a good first impression.
First Sentence: 今期に会社に入社しました
Word Breakdown
今期 (こんき) – this term, this period, this quarter
に – particle indicating time
会社 (かいしゃ) – company
に – particle indicating direction or destination
入社 (にゅうしゃ) – joining a company, entering employment
しました – did (polite past tense of する)
Literal vs Natural Translation
Literal meaning: In this term to company entered did
Natural translation: I joined the company this term / I started working at this company this term
Understanding 今期 (This Term)
What does 今期 mean?
今期 refers to the current business period or term. In Japanese companies, this typically refers to fiscal quarters or business terms. Japanese fiscal years often run from April to March, so 今期 could mean the current quarter (3 months) or the current fiscal year depending on context. When introducing yourself, it indicates you’re a recent hire.
The Verb 入社する (To Join a Company)
入社 is a specific noun that means “entering a company” or “joining a company as an employee.” When combined with する, it becomes a verb meaning “to join a company.” This is different from 入る (to enter), which is more general. 入社する is specifically used for employment contexts.
Related vocabulary:
入社 (にゅうしゃ) – joining a company
退社 (たいしゃ) – leaving a company
入学 (にゅうがく) – entering school
卒業 (そつぎょう) – graduation
就職 (しゅうしょく) – getting a job
Grammar Point: Double に Particles
Why are there two に particles?
The first に after 今期 indicates the time when something happened. The second に after 会社 indicates the destination or target of the action. This is a common pattern in Japanese where multiple particles can appear in one sentence, each serving different grammatical functions.
When to Use This Expression
This phrase is used during formal self-introductions in business settings, particularly when you’re a new employee. It’s most commonly heard during your first day at work, company meetings, or when meeting colleagues and clients for the first time.
Common Situations:
First day orientation at a new company
Introduction meetings with your team
Meeting clients or business partners
Company-wide announcements of new hires
Networking events with colleagues
Variations and Time Expressions
Different time periods:
今月入社しました – I joined this month
先月入社しました – I joined last month
4月に入社しました – I joined in April
今年入社しました – I joined this year
先週入社しました – I joined last week
本日入社しました – I joined today
Full Self-Introduction Example
Complete introduction:
はじめまして。田中太郎と申します。今期に会社に入社しました。出身は大阪です。趣味は読書です。よろしくお願いします。
Nice to meet you. My name is Taro Tanaka. I joined the company this term. I’m from Osaka. My hobby is reading. Please treat me well.
Formality Level
Important Note:
This is a formal expression using ました (polite past tense). In business settings, always use this polite form. Never use the casual past tense た in workplace introductions. The formal tone shows respect to your new colleagues and superiors.
Second Sentence: よろしくお願いします
Understanding This Essential Phrase
よろしくお願いします is arguably one of the most important phrases in Japanese, yet it’s also one of the most difficult to translate directly into English. It appears in countless situations and carries deep cultural significance in Japanese communication.
Word Breakdown
よろしく – well, favorably, kindly (adverb form of よろしい)
お願いします – please (humble request form)
Multiple Meanings and Contexts
Why is it hard to translate?
よろしくお願いします doesn’t have a single English equivalent because it encompasses multiple meanings depending on context. It can mean “Nice to meet you,” “Please treat me well,” “I’m counting on you,” “Thank you in advance,” “Please take care of this,” and more. The common thread is that you’re asking for someone’s favorable consideration or goodwill.
Common Translations Based on Context
In introductions: Nice to meet you / Please treat me well
In requests: Thank you in advance / I’m counting on you
In emails: Best regards / Kind regards
Before teamwork: Let’s work well together
When asking favors: Please help me with this
Formality Variations
Casual to formal:
よろしく – Very casual (friends)
よろしくね – Casual friendly (close colleagues)
よろしくお願いします – Standard polite (most common)
よろしくお願いいたします – More formal (business)
よろしくお願い申し上げます – Very formal (written, ceremonies)
何卒よろしくお願いいたします – Extremely formal (important requests)
Usage in Self-Introductions
When used after 今期に会社に入社しました, the phrase よろしくお願いします means “Please treat me well” or “I look forward to working with you.” You’re essentially asking your new colleagues to be kind to you as you learn the ropes and integrate into the team.
Cultural Significance
Cultural Context:
This phrase reflects the Japanese cultural values of humility and interdependence. By saying よろしくお願いします, you’re acknowledging that you’ll need others’ help and cooperation. It’s not just politeness—it’s recognizing your place in a social or professional network and expressing gratitude for being welcomed into it.
When to Use よろしくお願いします
Common situations:
After self-introductions
When asking someone for help
At the end of business emails
Before starting a project together
When receiving a new assignment
After meeting clients
When requesting something be done
At the end of phone calls
Response to よろしくお願いします
How to respond:
こちらこそよろしくお願いします – Likewise, nice to meet you too
よろしくお願いします – Same phrase back (common)
こちらこそ – Likewise (casual)
The phrase こちらこそ means “This way too” or “Likewise,” indicating that you also hope for a good relationship.
Example Conversations
Example 1: New Employee Introduction
新入社員: はじめまして。今期に会社に入社しました山田です。よろしくお願いします。
先輩: 山田さんですね。こちらこそよろしくお願いします。分からないことがあれば、いつでも聞いてください。
New employee: Nice to meet you. I’m Yamada, who joined the company this term. Please treat me well.
Senior: You’re Yamada, right? Likewise, nice to meet you. If you don’t understand anything, please ask anytime.
Example 2: Project Assignment
上司: この資料を明日までにまとめてください。
部下: かしこまりました。よろしくお願いします。
Boss: Please compile this material by tomorrow.
Subordinate: Understood. Thank you (I’ll do my best).
Example 3: Email Closing
お忙しいところ恐れ入りますが、ご確認のほどよろしくお願いいたします。
I apologize for bothering you when you’re busy, but I would appreciate your confirmation.
Using Both Phrases Together
The Standard Introduction Pattern
These two sentences form the core of a standard Japanese business self-introduction. The pattern is almost formulaic and is expected in professional settings.
Standard pattern:
Name introduction + 今期に会社に入社しました + よろしくお願いします
鈴木と申します。今期に会社に入社しました。よろしくお願いします。
My name is Suzuki. I joined the company this term. Please treat me well.
Extended Introduction Example
More detailed introduction:
皆様、はじめまして。佐藤花子と申します。今期に営業部に入社しました。前職では小売業で接客の経験を積んでまいりました。まだまだ未熟者ですが、一生懸命頑張りますので、ご指導ご鞭撻のほどよろしくお願いいたします。
Everyone, nice to meet you. My name is Hanako Sato. I joined the sales department this term. In my previous job, I gained customer service experience in retail. I’m still inexperienced, but I’ll work hard, so I humbly ask for your guidance and encouragement.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks
1. はじめまして。田中です。＿＿＿に会社に＿＿＿しました。
2. この仕事、明日までにお願いします。→ はい、＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
3. メールの最後：ご確認のほど＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
Exercise 2: Create your own introduction
Write a complete self-introduction in Japanese including:
Your name
When you joined
Your previous experience or background
A closing with よろしくお願いします
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using casual form
Wrong: 今期に会社に入社した
Correct: 今期に会社に入社しました
Mistake 2: Omitting particles
Wrong: 今期会社入社しました
Correct: 今期に会社に入社しました
Mistake 3: Using wrong verb
Wrong: 今期に会社に入りました
Better: 今期に会社に入社しました
Mistake 4: Forgetting よろしくお願いします
Japanese introductions almost always end with this phrase. Omitting it sounds abrupt and impolite.
Additional Business Vocabulary
Related business terms:
新入社員 (しんにゅうしゃいん) – new employee
中途採用 (ちゅうとさいよう) – mid-career hire
新卒 (しんそつ) – new graduate
配属 (はいぞく) – assignment (to a department)
研修 (けんしゅう) – training
部署 (ぶしょ) – department
上司 (じょうし) – boss, superior
同僚 (どうりょう) – colleague
先輩 (せんぱい) – senior colleague
後輩 (こうはい) – junior colleague
Key Takeaways for JLPT Students
今期に会社に入社しました is essential for formal business introductions. Master this pattern and you can easily substitute different time expressions to fit your situation.
よろしくお願いします is one of the most versatile and frequently used phrases in Japanese. Understanding its various contexts and formality levels is crucial for both JLPT exams and real-life Japanese communication.
These phrases represent the formal, polite Japanese required in business settings. Practice them until they become natural, as they’ll be among your most-used expressions if you work in Japan.
Cultural Tips for Using These Expressions
Body Language Matters:
When saying these phrases in person, bow appropriately. For よろしくお願いします during introductions, a bow of about 30 degrees is standard. Your tone should be humble and respectful. Make eye contact before bowing, not during the bow itself.
Wrap-up
Today we learned two fundamental expressions for Japanese business communication. 今期に会社に入社しました establishes your status as a new employee, while よろしくお願いします is the universal phrase for requesting goodwill and cooperation.
These phrases are not just about language—they reflect Japanese workplace culture emphasizing harmony, respect, and mutual support. Master these expressions, understand their cultural context, and you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Japanese business environments successfully.
Remember that in Japanese business culture, first impressions are crucial. A well-delivered self-introduction using these phrases can set the tone for your entire time at a company. Practice until you can say them naturally and confidently!