Formal to Superior
Workplace · Reporting
ご報告があります。〇〇の件で問題が発生しました。早急にご相談させていただけますでしょうか。 — I have something to report. A problem has occurred with [matter]. Could I consult with you urgently? (Workplace · Reporting, Formal to Superior, JLPT N3)
You
ご報告があります。〇〇の件で問題が発生しました。早急にご相談させていただけますでしょうか。
ごほうこくがあります。〇〇のけんでもんだいがはっせいしました。そうきゅうにごそうだんさせていただけますでしょうか。
I have something to report. A problem has occurred with [matter]. Could I consult with you urgently?
Romaji: Gohoukoku ga arimasu. OO no ken de mondai ga hassei shimashita. Sookyu ni gosoudan sasete itadakemasu deshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Wakatta. Sugu kite.
Reply
わかった。すぐ来て。
わかった。すぐきて。
Understood. Come right now.
Gesture & etiquette
Approach your superior immediately without delay — do not wait for a scheduled time if the matter is urgent. If they are in a meeting, send a brief message or discreetly get their attention. Have a concise summary ready: what happened, when, impact, and your proposed next step. Standing straight and meeting their eyes projects calm competence even in difficult moments.
In Japan's ho-ren-so culture, reporting problems immediately to a superior is expected and respected. Hiding problems to avoid appearing incompetent is a far worse career mistake. Always lead with the problem statement clearly, then offer proposed solutions when presenting the issue. 'Soukyuu ni' (urgently) signals you understand the gravity without over-dramatizing.