Formal to Superior
Workplace · Meeting
You
本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございました。
ほんじつはおじかんをいただき、ありがとうございました。
Thank you very much for your time today.
Romaji: Honjitsu wa o-jikan wo itadaki, arigatō gozaimashita. / Reply Romaji: Iie, kochira koso. Mata renraku shimasu ne.
Reply
いいえ、こちらこそ。また連絡しますね。
いいえ、こちらこそ。またれんらくしますね。
Not at all, likewise. I'll be in touch.
Gesture & etiquette
Stand when saying this. Bow at 30 degrees to the host. If in their office, let them escort you to the exit before offering a final bow at the door. Avoid lingering — conclude promptly after the formal close.
Always express gratitude for someone's time at the end of a meeting — this is expected in Japanese business culture. When leaving a client's office, thank them again at the elevator or entrance. A follow-up email of thanks the same day reinforces the relationship.