Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to 'your company' depends heavily on formality, relationship, and context. The most common and neutral way is to use the company name with an honorific suffix. Direct translations like 'anata no kaisha' are unnatural and should be avoided.
Politely refer to the company of the person you are speaking to, such as in business meetings, emails, or customer service.
Use the company name followed by 様 (sama) for the highest level of respect, common in written correspondence and formal speech.
トヨタ様にはいつもお世話になっております。
We are always grateful for your support, Toyota.
Using the company name with さん (san) is polite and common in spoken business Japanese. It is slightly less formal than 様 but still respectful.
ソニーさんからご連絡がありました。
We received a message from your company, Sony.
A formal, respectful term meaning 'your company'. Used in business settings, especially in written communication or formal speeches. It is a standard way to refer to the listener's company without using the name.
御社の製品に大変興味があります。
We are very interested in your company's products.
Another formal term for 'your company', similar to 御社 but more common in written documents, especially in letters or emails. It is slightly more literary.
貴社のご発展をお祈り申し上げます。
We wish your company continued success.
Casually mention the company where the listener works, such as among friends or in informal conversations.
In casual speech, you can simply use the company name with the casual topic marker って. This is natural when the company name is known.
グーグルって社員食堂がすごいらしいね。
I heard Google's employee cafeteria is amazing.
Literally 'that company (of yours)', used in informal conversation when the company name is not the focus. It can sound a bit blunt, so use with close friends.
そっちの会社、今忙しいの？
Is your company busy right now?
In very casual settings, you might refer to the person's workplace by their name or role, e.g., '田中さんのところ'. This is indirect but natural.
田中さんのところって、有給取りやすい？
Is it easy to take paid leave at your place, Tanaka?
Explain why 'anata no kaisha' is unnatural and should not be used.
The phrase 'あなたの会社' (anata no kaisha) is a direct translation of 'your company' but sounds unnatural, overly direct, and even rude in Japanese. It is rarely used by native speakers. Instead, use the company name with an honorific, or 御社/貴社 in formal contexts.
Using 'あなたの会社' can sound like you are accusing or singling out the listener. It lacks the politeness expected in Japanese business culture.
あなたの会社はどこですか？
Where is your company? (unnatural, too direct)
Both mean 'your company' in formal Japanese. 御社 (おんしゃ) is more common in spoken business Japanese and general formal contexts. 貴社 (きしゃ) is used primarily in written documents like letters and emails. In speech, 御社 is preferred.
御社のご意見をお聞かせください。
Please let us hear your company's opinion.
貴社ますますご清栄のこととお慶び申し上げます。
We are delighted to hear of your company's continued prosperity. (formal letter opening)
Directly translating 'your company' as あなたの会社 is almost always inappropriate. It can sound accusatory, childish, or foreign. Use the company name with さん/様, or 御社/貴社 instead.
If you don't know the company name, you can ask indirectly: 'どちらにお勤めですか？' (Where do you work?) or 'お勤め先はどちらですか？' (What is your place of employment?). Then use the name they provide with さん/様.