Formal to Superior
Workplace · Meeting
You
一点、懸念を申し上げてもよろしいでしょうか。リスクについて確認したく存じます。
いってん、けねんをもうしあげてもよろしいでしょうか。リスクについてかくにんしたくぞんじます。
May I raise one concern? I would like to confirm the risks involved.
Romaji: Itten, kenen wo moushiagemashite mo yoroshii deshou ka. Risuku ni tsuite kakunin shitaku zonjimasu. / Reply Romaji: Ee, douzo. Kikasete kudasai.
Reply
ええ、どうぞ。聞かせてください。
ええ、どうぞ。きかせてください。
Yes, please. Let's hear it.
Gesture & etiquette
A slight bow before speaking signals you are bringing this up respectfully. Present any supporting data immediately after — concerns unsupported by data carry less weight in Japanese business discussions.
「〜と存じます」(I humbly think/feel) is the most formal humble expression — one step above 「〜と思います」. Using it when raising concerns with a superior signals that you are offering a professional opinion, not challenging authority. Always frame the concern as a question for clarification, not a statement of opposition.