Translation guide
In Japanese, how you refer to a coworker depends on your relationship, the workplace context, and whether you are talking to them, about them to someone inside the company, or about them to someone outside the company.
coworker (general term)
coworker (casual, 'someone from work')
How to address or refer to a coworker when speaking directly to them
The default polite way to address a coworker. Use their family name followed by さん. This is safe in almost all workplace situations.
Tanaka-san, please take care of this document.
If the coworker holds a specific position, you can address them by their title, often without the name. For teachers, doctors, or certain professionals, use 先生.
Department head, do you have a moment?
In very casual or friendly workplaces, you might use a coworker's first name or a nickname, but this is only appropriate with people you are close to and of similar status. Avoid with superiors.
Using first names can be seen as overly familiar or rude if the relationship isn't close. Stick to last name + さん when in doubt.
Ken, want to go for lunch today?
How to refer to a coworker when speaking to another colleague or superior within the same company
When talking about a coworker to another insider, use their name with さん. This is neutral and polite.
How to refer to a coworker when speaking to clients, customers, or anyone outside your organization
When talking about a coworker to an outsider, drop the さん. This shows humility and respect toward the outsider by lowering your in-group member.
How to express the concept of 'coworker' in a general sense, not referring to a specific person
In Japanese business etiquette, you must humble your in-group when speaking to out-group members. Adding さん to a coworker's name when talking to a client is considered rude because it elevates your colleague above the client. Always drop the honorific.
Sato-san is off today.
A neutral word meaning 'colleague' or 'coworker'. It can be used when you don't need to specify the person's name, or when speaking generally.
I got help from a coworker.
When referring to a superior, you can use their title alone, especially if the context makes it clear who you mean.
The section chief will attend the meeting.
Literally 'work companion', this implies a closer, more collaborative relationship. It's less formal and can sound friendly.
He's a reliable coworker.
Tanaka will be in charge.
For superiors, use their title alone without さん when speaking to outsiders. This follows the same in-group/out-group rule.
Department head Yamada is currently out of the office.
Means 'employee' or 'staff member'. Use when referring to a coworker in a general sense to an outsider, often with 'うちの' (our).
Our employee caused you trouble.
A humble way to refer to a person, often used in formal business contexts. It can replace 人 when talking about a coworker to an outsider.
The person in charge will call you later.
The most common and neutral word for 'coworker' or 'colleague'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
I went to lunch with a new coworker.
Communication with coworkers is important.
Slightly more casual and implies camaraderie. Often used among people who work closely together.
I look forward to going out for drinks with my coworkers.
A casual, colloquial way to say 'someone from work' or 'coworker'. Literally 'company person'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
Yesterday I watched a movie with a coworker.
Similar to 会社の人, but can be used even if you don't work at a company (e.g., a shop, school). Literally 'workplace person'.
I had a barbecue with people from work.
I'm sorry, Tanaka is away from their desk right now.
同僚 is the standard, neutral term for 'coworker' and can be used in any situation. 仕事仲間 emphasizes a bond through shared work and is slightly more casual. 会社の人 is very casual and conversational, often used when the workplace context is already clear. Avoid 会社の人 in formal writing or speeches.
For learners, the safest strategy is to address and refer to coworkers (inside the company) with their family name plus さん. This is polite, natural, and avoids the risk of being too familiar or accidentally rude.