Translation guide
How to write in a natural letter or email style in Japanese, including set phrases, level of formality, and structural conventions.
How to start a letter or email with a seasonal or situational greeting
Standard formal opening for letters, often paired with a seasonal greeting. Used in business and personal formal correspondence.
拝啓春暖の候、ますますご清栄のこととお喜び申し上げます。
Dear Sir/Madam, In this season of spring warmth, I hope you are doing well.
Informal opening that skips seasonal greetings, used when getting straight to the point. Common in personal letters or less formal business notes.
前略先日は大変お世話になりました。
I'll skip the formalities — thank you very much for your help the other day.
Standard casual to semi-formal email greeting, equivalent to 'Hello'. Suitable for most everyday emails.
こんにちは、田中です。
Hello, this is Tanaka.
How to end a letter or email with a polite closing phrase
Standard formal closing paired with 拝啓. Used in formal letters.
敬具
Sincerely yours,
Informal closing paired with 前略. Used in personal or less formal letters.
Common email closing phrase, expressing 'I look forward to working with you' or 'Thank you in advance'. Versatile and polite.
それでは、よろしくお願いします。
Thank you in advance.
How to incorporate a seasonal reference in a formal letter opening
Pattern for seasonal greetings: [season word] + の候 (こう). Used after 拝啓 in formal letters. Examples: 早春の候 (early spring), 盛夏の候 (midsummer).
拝啓初秋の候、貴社ますますご発展のこととお慶び申し上げます。
Dear Sirs, In this early autumn season, I wish your company continued prosperity.
Another seasonal pattern: [season word] + の折 (おり), meaning 'in this time of...'. Slightly less stiff than ～の候.
春暖の折、皆様のご健康をお祈り申し上げます。
In this warm spring time, I wish you all good health.
How to address the recipient in a letter or email
How to write a clear and polite email subject line
Pattern: 【topic】について (about/concerning). Use brackets to highlight the topic. Common in business emails.
【会議の日程】について
Regarding the meeting schedule
Pattern: [topic] + の件 (のけん), meaning 'the matter of...'. Slightly more formal.
お見積りの件
Regarding the estimate
How to introduce yourself at the beginning of an email
Standard business email opening when you have an existing relationship. Literally 'I am always indebted to you.'
いつもお世話になっております。株式会社山田の田中です。
Thank you for your continued support. This is Tanaka from Yamada Corporation.
Used when contacting someone for the first time. Polite and straightforward.
初めてご連絡いたします。田中と申します。
I am contacting you for the first time. My name is Tanaka.
How to thank the recipient in a letter or email
General expression of gratitude for help or support. Can be used in various contexts.
先日は大変お世話になりました。
Thank you very much for your help the other day.
Very formal expression of gratitude. Used in formal letters.
ご支援に心より感謝申し上げます。
I sincerely appreciate your support.
How to apologize in a letter or email
Very formal apology. Used in business when you have made a mistake or caused inconvenience.
ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ございません。
I apologize for the inconvenience.
Casual apology, suitable for less formal emails or personal letters.
返事が遅くなってすみません。
Sorry for the late reply.
Traditional letters use set phrases like 拝啓/敬具 and seasonal greetings. Emails are more flexible but still require polite openings and closings. In business emails, いつもお世話になっております is a standard opening, while personal emails may start with a simple greeting like こんにちは.
English closings like 'Love,' or 'Yours truly,' do not translate directly. Use standard Japanese closings such as 敬具 for formal letters, 草々 for informal, or よろしくお願いします for emails.
草々
Best regards,
株式会社山田商事御中
To Yamada Trading Co., Ltd.