Translation guide
A formal closing phrase used in letters and emails. In Japanese, the equivalent depends on the level of formality, the relationship with the recipient, and the context (business, personal, etc.). Direct translation is not natural; instead, set phrases are used.
The most common formal closing for business letters, official correspondence, or when writing to someone of higher status.
Standard formal closing used in business letters and formal correspondence. Paired with an opening greeting like 拝啓 (haikei).
拝啓春暖の候、貴社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 your company is thriving in this spring weather. Yours sincerely,
Very formal closing, often used in letters to superiors or in ceremonial contexts. More respectful than 敬具.
謹んで新年のご挨拶を申し上げます。 謹白
I wish you a Happy New Year. Yours sincerely,
Formal closing similar to 敬具, but slightly more respectful. Used in formal letters.
まずは書面にてお礼申し上げます。 敬白
First, I would like to express my gratitude in writing. Yours sincerely,
Used in business emails or when writing to colleagues, clients, or acquaintances where a full formal letter closing is too stiff.
Common closing phrase in business emails, expressing a request for continued goodwill or cooperation. Often used after the main content, before the signature.
以上、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. Yours sincerely,
Used when sending a quick message or preliminary information. Implies that a more detailed message may follow.
取り急ぎご連絡まで。よろしくお願いいたします。
Just a quick note for now. Yours sincerely,
Used in personal letters or casual correspondence. The tone is warm and friendly.
Traditional closing used by women in personal letters. Conveys respect and affection. Often paired with an opening like 拝啓 (haikei) or used alone.
またお会いできる日を楽しみにしています。 かしこ
I look forward to seeing you again. Yours sincerely,
Casual closing meaning 'Well then, see you.' Used in informal letters or emails between close friends.
今度遊びに行こうね。では、また。
Let's hang out sometime. Yours sincerely,
Used in highly formal situations, such as letters to teachers, dignitaries, or in ceremonial contexts.
Extremely formal closing, literally 'bowing one's head.' Used in very respectful letters, often to superiors or in traditional contexts.
ご指導のほど、何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます。 頓首
I humbly request your guidance. Yours sincerely,
Do not translate 'yours sincerely' literally as あなたの誠実な (anata no seijitsu na). This is unnatural and not used in Japanese correspondence.
In formal Japanese letters, the opening greeting and closing phrase are paired. Common pairs include 拝啓 (haikei) with 敬具 (keigu), and 謹啓 (kinkei) with 謹白 (kinpaku). Using the wrong pair can be seen as a mistake.
In business emails, it is common to end with よろしくお願いいたします (yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) or どうぞよろしくお願いいたします (douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) instead of a traditional letter closing. This is more natural for digital correspondence.