Honorifics for "Oshiete Kudasai" (Please Tell Me): Proper Japanese Business Rewordings
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Category: Job Search Preparation & Interview Tips, Work Styles, Job Change
Authors: Shusaku Yosa
Published:
Last Updated:
Category: Job Search Preparation & Interview Tips, Work Styles, Job Change
Authors: Shusaku Yosa
When you want to ask a question to your boss or a business partner, have you ever caught yourself writing "oshiete kudasai" ("please tell me") in Japanese and worried whether it might come across as rude? In fact, "oshiete kudasai" is grammatically a polite form, but in a business context it can sound a bit casual when used toward superiors. The same request to "ask" can be reworded as "go-kyoji kudasai," "go-kyoju kudasai," or "go-shido itadakemasu deshouka," each carrying a stronger sense of respect. Choosing the right phrase can significantly change the impression you give.
This article systematically explains where "oshiete kudasai" stands as a polite expression, 10 proper rewordings for use toward superiors, how to use each in business emails, in-person conversations, and phone calls, the difference between internal and external communication, the distinction between "go-kyoji" and "go-kyoju," ready-to-use example sentences, and NG expressions to avoid. By the end, you will be able to naturally choose respectful expressions depending on the person and situation, raising the precision of your business communication a notch.
To start with the conclusion: "oshiete kudasai" is grammatically a correct polite form (teineigo). It is constructed from the verb "oshieru" (to teach) with the polite auxiliary "masu" in its command form "kudasai," forming "oshiete" + "kudasai." In daily conversation or among colleagues, it does not feel awkward, and it is not an outright misuse.
However, when used toward superiors or business partners, the level of respect can feel slightly insufficient. There are two reasons. First, "kudasai" is a command form, so it carries a nuance closer to an instruction than a request. Second, it contains no honorific (sonkeigo) or humble (kenjogo) element, so the speaker is not actively elevating the listener.
Japanese honorifics fall into three broad categories. Polite forms (teineigo) add "desu" or "masu" to make speech sound refined. Honorific forms (sonkeigo) elevate the listener's actions to show respect. Humble forms (kenjogo) lower the speaker's own actions to elevate the listener. "Oshiete kudasai" is a polite form, but contains no honorific elevation of the listener and no humble form by the speaker. When making a request to a superior in business, the basic etiquette is to combine polite forms with honorific or humble forms.
"Oshiete kudasai" works in any situation that does not require a strong show of deference: peers, juniors, flat internal relationships, casual chat tools, and similar contexts. Asking a neighboring team a question on internal Slack or Teams, or asking a junior colleague about a work procedure, is perfectly fine with "oshiete kudasai." In fact, using overly formal honorifics can create distance and impede smooth communication.
In formal emails to clients or customers, requests to superiors or executives, and near-first-meeting contexts like interviews and sales meetings, it is safer to choose an expression one notch more polite than "oshiete kudasai." In particular, emails and written documents leave the expression more visible than verbal communication, so use formal wording that any third party reader would also find natural. A combination of polite and humble forms, such as "go-kyoji kudasai" or "go-kyoji itadakemasu deshouka," is the default.
Here are 10 honorific expressions you can use in business in place of "oshiete kudasai," organized by level of formality and use case. There is no single all-purpose phrase, so choose based on the listener, the content, and the channel.
The most commonly used expression in business. "Kyoji" means "to teach and show knowledge or methods," so "go-kyoji kudasai" is the polite version of "oshiete kudasai." Use it when asking for information, methods, or procedures — anything that can be conveyed as knowledge. It works both internally and externally, and in writing or speech. More polite variants include "go-kyoji itadakemasu deshouka" and "go-kyoji negaimasu."
"Kyoju" means "to teach learning or skills on a continuing basis." Unlike "go-kyoji," which asks for one-off information, "go-kyoju" is for asking someone to teach specialized knowledge or skills over time. For example, "Please teach me English study methods" (eigo no benkyo-hou wo go-kyoju kudasai) is appropriate when requesting long-term instruction. Using "go-kyoju" for a simple, one-off question is overkill, so be careful with the distinction from "go-kyoji."
This adds the honorific prefix "o" to "oshieru" to convert it into a humble expression. It is softer than "go-kyoji" and "go-kyoju" and does not feel awkward in speech. It is easy to use when asking a question to your boss internally or in person for simple information. Following it with "o-oshie itadakemasu to saiwai desu" or "o-oshie itadakemasu to tasukarimasu" makes it sound even softer.
"Shido" means "to teach and guide," and is used when seeking not just knowledge but also direction or action-level guidance. Classic scenarios: a new employee to their manager, a junior to a senior, a successor to a predecessor. "Go-shido go-bentatsu no hodo, yoroshiku onegai moushiagemasu" is well established as a stock phrase for greetings and New Year cards. The nuance is asking for support within a continuing relationship rather than for a one-off question.
"Jogen" means "to give words that help," used when seeking the other person's opinion or advice. While "go-kyoji" is for asking about information or methods, "go-jogen" asks for an opinion or perspective that will serve as judgment material. "Regarding the proposal, may I have your advice?" (kikakuan ni tsuite, go-jogen wo itadakemasu deshouka) is suited to situations where you present your own draft or context and want to hear the other person's view.
These use the humble forms of "ukagau" (to inquire) and "kiku" (to listen). They are often used as a cushion phrase before a question, opening with something like "May I ask one thing?" Suited to verbal use: asking for input during a meeting, or checking on a counterpart's situation by phone. Rather than directly demanding "oshiete kudasai," you seek the listener's permission, giving a more polite impression.
Used when asking for an answer to a clear question, such as in inquiry emails or written queries. "Regarding the items below, could you provide your response?" (kakijiko ni tsukimashite, go-kaito itadakemasu deshouka) is also convenient when bundling multiple questions. It carries a more transactional nuance than "go-kyoji," suited to routine inquiries or confirmations.
Used when asking for factual information to be shared, like date and time, location, or contact details. "Could you share the meeting start time?" (kaigi no kaishi jikoku wo o-shirase itadakemasu deshouka), "Please let me know a convenient date" (go-tsugou no yoi nittei wo go-renraku itadakemasu to saiwai desu), and similar phrasings work for confirming objective information. It is more transactional yet softer than "go-kyoji," and feels natural both internally and externally.
Many situations where you want to say "oshiete kudasai" are actually about wanting confirmation. "Could you confirm whether there are any issues with the materials?" (shiryo no naiyo ni mondai ga nai ka, go-kakunin itadakemasu deshouka) or "Could you confirm whether the dates below work for you?" framed as confirmation requests sound more natural in Japanese. It is heavily used in routine business tasks like document review and scheduling.
A softer expression used when you want to hear the other person's thoughts, impressions, or perspective. "I would be grateful to hear your candid opinion" (sotchoku na go-iken wo o-kikase itadakemasu to saiwai desu) is suited to drawing out subjective content. Where "go-kyoji" asks for objective information, "o-kikase" carries a softer nuance that respects the listener's inner thoughts.
"Go-kyoji" and "go-kyoju" sound similar and are easily confused, but their meanings and uses are clearly different. Mixing them up can be a major business etiquette mistake, so always remember the distinction.
"Kyoji" means "to teach and show" — information whose answer is complete on the spot, like knowledge, methods, or procedures. Use it when asking about something you can understand once it has been explained: meeting locations, file save destinations, work procedures, and the like. Most everyday business situations fall into this bucket, so when in doubt, pick "go-kyoji." Examples: "Could you tell me the next meeting room?" (jikai no kaigishitsu wo go-kyoji kudasai), "Could you share the name of your counterpart's representative?" (senpou no go-tantosha-sama no o-namae wo go-kyoji itadakemasu deshouka).
"Kyoju" means to teach learning or arts over a sustained period. The original meaning is rooted in a continuing master-apprentice context, so its use in business is limited. Phrasings like "I would like to be taught English conversation for half a year" (eikaiwa wo hanshikan go-kyoju itadakitai) or "Please teach me the tea ceremony etiquette" (sado no saho wo go-kyoju kudasai) are appropriate for continuing study of specialized skills, but using "go-kyoju" for a daily work question feels off.
In practice, "go-kyoji" is needed far more often, and many people misuse "go-kyoju." Anything one-off — information, data, contacts, URLs, schedules, operation steps — should all go with "go-kyoji." Use "go-kyoju" only when there is clear intent to ask for continuous teaching.
Here are example sentences you can use in actual business emails as alternatives to "oshiete kudasai." Adapt them by scenario, distinguishing between external and internal use.
"Regarding the date and venue for the meeting, could you share a few candidate dates that work for you?" (o-uchiawase no nichiji to kaijo ni tsukimashite, go-tsugou no yoroshii kouhobi wo go-kyoji itadakemasu deshouka). "Go-kyoji itadakemasu deshouka" is the standard for routine scheduling. For multiple candidates, follow with "could you share which time works best?" to make it easier for the recipient to choose.
"Could you share the steps for requesting a quote?" (o-mitsumori no go-irai houhou ni tsukimashite, go-kyoji itadakemasu deshouka). "Could you walk me through the login steps for your system again?" (kisha system e no login tejun wo, aratamete go-kyoji itadakemasu to tasukarimasu). "Go-kyoji" is also handy for asking about work procedures and operation steps. For complex procedures, adding a cushion phrase like "I am sorry for the trouble" or "please forgive the inconvenience" makes it sound even more polite.
"Would it be possible to send me the latest catalog of your services? I apologize for the trouble, and I look forward to your kind support" (kisha service no saishin-ban catalog wo go-sofu itadaku koto wa kanou deshouka). When asking for physical documents or information to be sent, "go-sofu" (send) or "go-kyoyu" (share) is more natural. The intent behind "oshiete kudasai" often includes a request for information sharing, so choose your phrasing based on what is actually being requested.
"Regarding how to proceed with the [Project] matter, could you share your guidance?" or "Could you share your thoughts on the judgment criteria for [item]?" Even internally, use proper honorifics for superiors. Higher-ranking executives generally prefer more formal phrasing, so go with kanji-based expressions like "go-kyoji" and "go-jogen" for department head level and above. For section chiefs in your own team, "o-oshie itadakemasu deshouka" is also fine.
"Sorry to bother you while you're busy — could you tell me about [topic]?" or "If you know how to approach [topic], it would help if you could share." In close relationships, softer phrasings like "oshiete itadakemasu ka" or "share itadakemasu to tasukarimasu" are sufficient. Excessive honorifics feel distant, so match the language to the relationship.
Verbal communication does not require the same level of stiffness as email. Overusing kanji-based forms like "go-kyoji" or "go-kyoju" can sound rigid, so softer Japanese-rooted phrasings work better.
"Sorry to interrupt you while you're busy — may I ask one thing?" (o-isogashii tokoro osore irimasu ga, ichi-ten o-ukagai shite mo yoroshii deshouka), or "Could you tell me about [topic]?" (o-oshie itadakemasu deshouka), or "I would like to confirm one thing about [topic] — do you have a moment?" Asking for permission first feels natural. Especially when approaching a boss's desk, adding a phrase acknowledging that you are interrupting their work is good manners.
"Thank you for the call. May I ask one thing?" or "Just to be safe, could you confirm: is [item] correct?" On the phone too, organize your speech around "o-ukagai suru" (to inquire) and "kakunin suru" (to confirm). If the other party sounds busy, adding "would it be all right if I called you back later?" is even more polite.
"I would be grateful to hear [Department Head]'s perspective" (XX bucho no o-kangae wo o-kikase itadakemasu to saiwai desu), or "On the client's intent, is there anything you could add?" Combining expressions that invite comment in meetings also showcases your facilitation skills. Speaking "oshiete kudasai" directly in a meeting can sound a bit childish.
Here are copy-paste alternatives organized by scenario you frequently encounter at work. Adjust the details to match your context.
I would be grateful if you could share several time slots that work for you. I am sorry for the trouble, and I appreciate your kind support.
Regarding the format and recipient of the documents to be submitted, could you share the details again? I apologize for the trouble, and I sincerely appreciate your kind support.
It would help if you could share the name and contact information of the person in charge. I would like to reach out directly, and I appreciate your kind cooperation.
Regarding the attached proposal, could you share your candid feedback? Based on your advice, I will revise and send you an improved version.
Could you share how to access the system you provide? I am unable to log in successfully in my environment and apologize for the trouble.
Regarding the matter I sent over the other day, could you share an update on its current status? I am sorry to bother you during your busy schedule, and I look forward to your reply.
If you do not mind, may I ask one thing? I would be grateful to hear about recent initiatives in your company's [department].
Even when you carefully reword your phrasing, using incorrect honorifics, double honorifics, or unnatural combinations can backfire. Memorize the common NG patterns to avoid.
Phrasings like "go-kyoji shite kudasai" or "o-oshie shite kudasai" stack a humble form with an honorific form, creating classic double-honorific errors. "Go-kyoji" already contains a polite element, so simply continuing with "go-kyoji kudasai" or "go-kyoji itadakemasu deshouka" is correct. Remember the basics: "o~suru" is humble; "o~ni naru" is honorific. Do not stack honorifics needlessly.
Phrases like "Please teach me the location of the meeting room" using "go-kyoju" (kaigishitsu no basho wo go-kyoju kudasai), or asking for a data save destination with "go-kyoju," are typical misuses. As mentioned earlier, "go-kyoju" carries the nuance of continuing study, so it sounds excessive for on-the-spot questions. Nearly all daily business questions can be handled with "go-kyoji."
Closing emails with "go-kyoju no hodo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu" is a misuse in most cases. If you do not intend continuous learning, write "go-kyoji no hodo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu" or "go-kakunin no hodo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu" instead. Be careful not to write "go-kyoju" out of template habit.
"Oshiete kudasai" and "go-kyoji kudasai" use "~kudasai," which is a polite form but still a command. Especially for superiors and clients, switching to a question or request form — "~itadakemasu deshouka" or "~itadakemasu to saiwai desu" — sounds softer. Reserve "kudasai" for internal peers, and convert to request forms in formal contexts.
Trying to sound polite by stacking a negative question like "~masen deshouka" sounds grammatically off. The correct forms are "oshiete itadakemasu deshouka" or "go-kyoji itadakemasu deshouka." "~masen" is negative and "~deshouka" is a tentative question, so combining them twists the meaning.
Honorific expressions become even softer and more polite when paired with cushion phrases. Just one phrase before a request or question can convey your consideration for the listener.
Open with phrases that show consideration for the listener's situation, such as "I am sorry to bother you while you're busy," "I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience," "sorry for the trouble," "if you do not mind," or "if at all possible." Just one extra phrase frames your request as considerate rather than abrupt. Keep it to two or three per email — do not overdo it.
Adding "to saiwai desu" (I would be grateful) or "to tasukarimasu" (it would help) at the end — as in "go-kyoji itadakemasu to saiwai desu" or "go-kyoji itadakemasu to tasukarimasu" — further softens command-like overtones. When you are about to write "~shite kudasai," rephrasing as a request plus a wish dramatically changes the impression.
Even when something is urgent, do not write "please tell me at once." Instead, use phrasing like "I am sorry to ask while you are busy, but it would help if you could share by [date]." "At once" (shikyu) or "as soon as possible" (sokyu ni) are best reserved for flat internal relationships or true emergencies. Externally, phrasings like "at your earliest convenience" or "if possible, by [date]" are the norm.
In job interviews and applications, you will frequently ask questions to companies as an applicant. Overusing "oshiete kudasai" in reverse questions or pre-application inquiries can come across as immature, so pick more polished phrasings.
"Could you share what successful employees at your company have in common?" or "May I ask your view on the results expected within the first three years after joining?" or "Could you share details about the focus initiatives in your [department] going forward?" Use "o-kikase," "o-ukagai," and "go-kyoji" based on the question. For objective information use "go-kyoji"; for opinions, use "o-kikase" or "o-kangae wo o-ukagai."
"I have reviewed your job posting and am considering applying. My name is [Name]. I would like to ask one question: among the responsibilities of the [role], could you share more details on [specific item]? I apologize for the trouble during your busy schedule and appreciate your kind support." Structure: self-introduction → lead-in to the question → the specific question → closing request.
"Thank you for the interview invitation. Could you share which time works best from the candidate dates below?" is standard for presenting candidate dates and asking for confirmation. When the company offers dates, reply with "Among the dates you offered, may I confirm [date] at [time]?" and clearly state your decision.
When similar expressions like "go-kyoji," "go-kyoju," "o-oshie," and "go-shido" all appear, it can be hard to decide which one to use. Organizing your decision into three criteria makes the choice easier.
For objective information or facts, use "go-kyoji." For subjective opinions or perspectives, use "o-kikase" or "go-jogen." For directional or behavioral guidance, use "go-shido." The same "oshiete kudasai" maps to different best expressions depending on what is actually being asked.
For external clients or customers, choose kanji-based formal expressions like "go-kyoji," "go-kyoju," or "o-kikase." For internal superiors, "go-kyoji," "o-oshie," and "go-jogen" are safe; for close colleagues and juniors, casual phrasings like "oshiete itadakemasu ka" or "share shite moraemasu ka" are sufficient. Decide based on the combination of seniority and closeness of the relationship.
Email and written documents lean toward formal kanji-based expressions, while in person and on phone calls, softer Japanese-rooted phrasings sound natural. On business chat tools like internal Slack or Teams, heavy kanji feels stiff, so "o-oshie itadakemasu ka" or "share itadakemasu to tasukarimasu" hits the right tone. Being mindful of each channel's temperature lets you pick honorifics that are neither overdone nor underdone.
It is not clearly rude, but it can sound short on respect when used toward superiors or external partners. For internal peers and juniors, it works fine; in formal contexts, switching to a request form like "go-kyoji itadakemasu deshouka" or "o-oshie itadakemasu deshouka" is safer. Think of it less as grammatical correctness and more as a matter of the degree of consideration for the listener.
"Go-kyoji" is overwhelmingly more versatile. Almost any everyday business question can be handled with "go-kyoji." "Go-kyoju" is limited to contexts of continuing study of learning or skills, so it rarely appears in business emails. The rule of thumb is: when in doubt, pick "go-kyoji."
The degree of deference and softness differs. "Go-kyoji kudasai" is slightly directive; "go-kyoji negaimasu" is neutral; "go-kyoji itadakemasu deshouka" is the softest request form. For external clients and senior executives, "go-kyoji itadakemasu deshouka" or "go-kyoji itadakemasu to saiwai desu" is the safest choice.
After receiving an answer, return thanks with phrases that mirror what you used when asking: "go-kyoji itadaki arigato gozaimasu," "teinei ni go-kaito itadaki makotoni arigato gozaimashita," or "go-jogen itadakimashita koto, fukaku kansha moushiagemasu." Keeping the same root expression — "go-kyoji" in your request, "go-kyoji itadaki" in your thanks — gives a polished, consistent impression.
In English, standard expressions include "Could you let me know ~?", "Would you mind sharing ~?", and "I would appreciate it if you could inform me of ~." English does not have as many honorific tiers as Japanese, but combining polite request forms (Could/Would) with appreciation expressions (appreciate) conveys a formal nuance.
Finally, here are the key points to remember when rewording "oshiete kudasai" in business.
First, "oshiete kudasai" is grammatically a proper polite form, but it can sound a bit casual to superiors and external partners. Second, when in doubt, picking "go-kyoji itadakemasu deshouka" will almost never fail you. Third, do not confuse "go-kyoji" and "go-kyoju": one-off information is "go-kyoji," continuous learning is "go-kyoju." Fourth, combine cushion phrases ("sorry to disturb you while you're busy," "if you do not mind," etc.) to soften the edge of your request. Fifth, adjust the level of kanji vs. Japanese-rooted phrasing and formality based on the channel and your relationship with the listener.
Honorifics are absorbed naturally through writing and speaking, not just memorization. Use the examples in this article as templates, and gradually adopt the phrasings most relevant to your daily work. A single rewording of "oshiete kudasai" can noticeably shift the impression of your business communication. Making it a habit to choose words that clearly convey respect is the first step in building trust.
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