Formal — to stranger
Workplace · Meeting
申し訳ございません、〇〇という用語に不慣れでして、もう少し詳しく教えていただけますでしょうか。 — I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with the term XX — could you explain a bit more? (Workplace · Meeting, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N3)
You
申し訳ございません、〇〇という用語に不慣れでして、もう少し詳しく教えていただけますでしょうか。
もうしわけございません、〇〇というようごにふなれでして、もうすこしくわしくおしえていただけますでしょうか。
I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with the term XX — could you explain a bit more?
Romaji: Moushiwake gozaimasen, XX to iu yougo ni funare deshite, mou sukoshi kuwashiku oshiete itadakemasu deshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Mochiron desu. XX to iu no wa, ~ desu.
Reply
もちろんです。〇〇というのは、〜です。
もちろんです。〇〇というのは、〜です。
Of course. XX means...
Gesture & etiquette
Slight bow (15°) at the question, attentive listening posture as they explain. Take notes visibly. If still unclear after the answer, ask one more follow-up — better to fully understand once than to nod confusedly.
Polite clarification request. '〜に不慣れでして' (not used to ~) shows humility and saves face — better than 'I don't know.' Universal in meetings, both for industry jargon and acronyms. Never pretend to understand — costly misunderstandings follow. Ask in the moment, not after. Japanese speakers usually appreciate the honesty and explain gladly.