Translation guide
A formal letter/email closing expressing respect. In Japanese, this is typically rendered with set phrases like 敬具 (keigu) or かしこ (kashiko), depending on context and gender. Direct translation is not used; instead, choose the appropriate closing formula.
The writer wants to end a formal letter or email with a respectful closing phrase.
Standard formal closing used in Japanese letters. It is paired with an opening greeting like 拝啓 (haikei). Suitable for business and formal correspondence.
拝啓、時下ますますご清栄のこととお慶び申し上げます。…敬具
Dear Sir/Madam, I hope you are doing well. ... Sincerely yours
Very formal closing traditionally used by women. It conveys deep respect and humility. Often used in personal letters or very formal correspondence.
お手紙ありがとうございました。…かしこ
Thank you for your letter. ... Respectfully yours
A very formal closing, sometimes used in official or ceremonial documents. Less common than 敬具.
以上、ご報告申し上げます。敬白
I have reported the above. Respectfully yours
The writer wants to end an email politely but not as stiffly as a traditional letter.
Common polite closing in emails, meaning 'I look forward to your kind assistance' or simply 'Best regards'. It is not a direct translation of 'respectfully yours' but serves a similar function in business emails.
ご確認のほど、よろしくお願いいたします。
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Best regards
Used when sending a quick message, meaning 'This is just a quick note.' It implies respect but is less formal than a full closing.
取り急ぎご連絡まで。
Just a quick note. Respectfully
There is no direct Japanese equivalent of 'respectfully yours' as a word-for-word translation. Using a phrase like 敬意を込めて (keii o komete) would be unnatural in a letter closing. Always use a set closing formula appropriate to the context.
敬具 is the standard formal closing for both men and women in business letters. かしこ is more traditional and feminine, often used in personal letters or very formal occasions. In modern email, 敬具 is rarely used; instead, phrases like よろしくお願いいたします are common.