Polite to Colleague
Workplace · Meeting
〇〇さんのおっしゃる通りだと思います。その方向で進めるのが良いのではないでしょうか。 — I think [person] is exactly right. I believe proceeding in that direction would be the best approach. (Workplace · Meeting, Polite to Colleague, JLPT N3)
You
〇〇さんのおっしゃる通りだと思います。その方向で進めるのが良いのではないでしょうか。
〇〇さんのおっしゃるとおりだとおもいます。そのほうこうですすめるのがよいのではないでしょうか。
I think [person] is exactly right. I believe proceeding in that direction would be the best approach.
Romaji: OO-san no ossharu toori da to omoimasu. Sono houkou de susumeru no ga yoi no dewa nai deshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Arigatou gozaimasu. Dewa, sono houkou de susumemashou.
Reply
ありがとうございます。では、その方向で進めましょう。
ありがとうございます。では、そのほうこうですすめましょう。
Thank you. Then let's proceed in that direction.
Gesture & etiquette
Nod meaningfully while the original proposal is being made — this signals your agreement is forming in real time. Make eye contact with both the original proposer and the meeting leader as you deliver your agreement. Keep a neutral, thoughtful expression — enthusiastic but not sycophantic. Your credibility in meetings comes partly from being a steady, thoughtful agreeer.
Expressing agreement in Japanese meetings requires attributing the good idea to its originator ('OO-san no ossharu toori' — as [person] said) — this maintains group harmony by making it a collaborative decision. Using 'dewa nai deshou ka' (isn't it?) rather than a direct assertion invites consensus rather than imposing agreement. This creates a more collaborative atmosphere.