Wait, that’s what it means!? – 5 Common Business Japanese Phrases That Aren’t What They Seem

Have you ever come across a Japanese expression in a business meeting or email and thought, “That can’t possibly mean what it looks like it means..?”

Today, I’d like to introduce five common business phrases that often leave learners puzzled.

These expressions are commonly used in professional settings, but their meanings are rarely obvious—especially from the kanji alone.

Let’s take a closer look!

1. 鶴の一声（つるのひとこえ）Tsuru no Hitokoe

Meaning: A powerful statement from someone in authority that decides everything.

💬「会議は迷走していたけど、部長の鶴の一声で決まりました。」"The meeting was going nowhere, but the manager’s tsuru no hitokoe settled it all.”

📝 Why it’s tricky: The “crane” might seem random, but it’s a reference to a folktale. It reflects how one voice—usually from the top—can carry the most weight.

2. たたき台（たたきだい）Tataki Dai

Meaning: A rough draft or proposal used as a starting point for discussion.

💬「これはたたき台なので、意見をどんどんください！」“This is just a tatakidai, so please share your thoughts.”

📝 Why it’s tricky: No need for actual hitting here! It simply refers to a first version that’s meant to be built on.

3. 丸投げ（まるなげ）Marunage

Meaning: Passing off an entire task or responsibility to someone else.

💬「この案件、完全に丸投げされて困ってます…」“This project’s been completely marunage’d to me...”

📝 Why it’s tricky: It literally means “throwing it all,” and is generally used with a negative tone—especially when someone’s left holding the bag.

4. 根回し（ねまわし）Nemawashi

Meaning: Quietly laying the groundwork with key people before a major decision.

💬 「プレゼン前に、関係部署に根回ししておきました。」“I did some nemawashi with the departments before the presentation.”

📝 Why it’s tricky: Originally a gardening term! Just like preparing a plant’s roots before transplanting, this means preparing relationships for smoother collaboration.

5. 落としどころ（おとしどころ）Otoshi Dokoro

Meaning: A compromise or landing point that all parties can accept.

💬「どこか落としどころを見つけましょう」“Let’s find a reasonable otoshidokoro for both sides.”

📝 Why it’s tricky: It sounds like something’s being dropped, but really, it refers to a final agreement or middle ground.

✨ Before you go...

Expressions like these can be confusing at first, but once you learn them, you’ll start recognising them in meetings, emails, and conversations all the time.

Want to deepen your understanding of natural, high-level Japanese like this?

👉 Click here to learn more Japanese expressions!

Keep learning, and see you in the next one!