Formal to Subordinate
Workplace · Reporting
現状について率直にお話ししたいのですが、少しお時間よろしいでしょうか。 — I'd like to talk frankly about the current situation—could you spare some time? (Workplace · Reporting, Formal to Subordinate, JLPT N2)
You
現状について率直にお話ししたいのですが、少しお時間よろしいでしょうか。
げんじょうについてそっちょくにおはなししたいのですが、すこしおじかんよろしいでしょうか。
I'd like to talk frankly about the current situation—could you spare some time?
Romaji: Genjou ni tsuite sotchoku ni ohanashi shitai no desu ga, sukoshi ojikan yoroshii deshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Hai, mochiron desu. Itsu de mo daijoubu desu.
Reply
はい、もちろんです。いつでも大丈夫です。
はい、もちろんです。いつでもだいじょうぶです。
Yes, of course. Anytime is fine.
Gesture & etiquette
Speak quietly, with even tone—no urgency in voice. Sit at 90 degrees rather than directly across (less confrontational). Have water available. Open notebook visible but don't write while they're speaking. Maintain calm even if they react emotionally.
Opener for a serious performance conversation (PIP, behavior correction, etc.). 「率直に」 (frankly) signals the gravity without being alarming. Even when speaking to a subordinate, Japanese managers maintain humble tone. Schedule in a private meeting room, never at desks. Have specific examples ready but lead with question, not accusation.