Universal
Cultural · Communication
You
少し考えさせてください。
すこしかんがえさせてください。
Please let me think for a moment.
Romaji: Sukoshi kangaesasete kudasai. / Reply Romaji: Mochiron desu. Dōzo, go-yukkuri.
Reply
もちろんです。どうぞ、ごゆっくり。
もちろんです。どうぞ、ごゆっくり。
Of course. Please take your time.
Gesture & etiquette
Make brief eye contact, then look slightly downward while thinking. Keep a calm expression. Do not tap fingers or show impatience during the pause — silence is a respected communicative tool in Japan.
In Japanese communication, silence ('ma' 間) after a question is not awkward — it signals careful thought and respect. Rushing to fill silence or pressing for an immediate answer can feel pushy or disrespectful.
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