Polite to Colleague
Workplace · Meeting
恐れながら、この案には少し懸念がございますので、別の角度から検討させていただけないでしょうか。 — With respect, I have some concerns about this proposal—could we consider it from another angle? (Workplace · Meeting, Polite to Colleague, JLPT N3)
You
恐れながら、この案には少し懸念がございますので、別の角度から検討させていただけないでしょうか。
おそれながら、このあんにはすこしけねんがございますので、べつのかくどからけんとうさせていただけないでしょうか。
With respect, I have some concerns about this proposal—could we consider it from another angle?
Romaji: Osore-nagara, kono an ni wa sukoshi kenen ga gozaimasu node, betsu no kakudo kara kentou sasete itadakenai deshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Ee, douzo. Donna kenen desu ka?
Reply
ええ、どうぞ。どんな懸念ですか？
ええ、どうぞ。どんなけねんですか？
Yes, please. What concerns?
Gesture & etiquette
Raise hand to chest height, wait for facilitator acknowledgment. Speak with measured tone, slightly lowered head signaling humble dissent. Maintain calm posture—no crossed arms (defensive) or pointing (aggressive).
Disagreement framed politely. 「恐れながら」 (with apprehension) signals you're respectfully challenging. Never say 「反対です」 (I oppose) directly in Japanese meetings—it kills face. Frame as 'concerns' and 'alternative angles' to invite collaborative re-examination. Have the alternative angle ready, not just objection.