Formal to Superior
Workplace · Reporting
You
お時間よろしいですか？ご報告したいことがあります。
おじかんよろしいですか？ごほうこくしたいことがあります。
Do you have a moment? There's something I'd like to report to you.
Romaji: Ojikan yoroshii desu ka? Gohoukoku shitai koto ga arimasu. / Reply Romaji: Hai, douzo. Nani desu ka?
Reply
はい、どうぞ。何ですか？
はい、どうぞ。なんですか？
Yes, go ahead. What is it?
Gesture & etiquette
Stand at your superior's desk or office entrance. Do not sit or take out materials until given permission. Keep a calm, composed demeanor even if the news is urgent — Japanese workplace norms prize composure above speed.
In Japanese workplace culture, reporting to superiors (houkoku) is a core professional duty — not optional. Always ask permission before speaking ('do you have a moment?') rather than launching into your report. This respects hierarchy without wasting their time.