How to Close a Letter in Japanese: Mastering the Art of Formal and Informal Greetings

How to close a letter in Japanese sets the stage for this enthralling narrative, offering readers a glimpse into a story that is rich in detail and brimming with originality from the outset. In the realm of Japanese communication, letter closings are more than just a formality; they are a nuanced art form that reflects respect, politeness, and the depth of your relationship with the recipient.

Mastering the art of Japanese letter closings unlocks a world of cultural understanding and allows you to express yourself with grace and precision.

This guide delves into the intricate world of Japanese letter closings, exploring the importance of formal and informal expressions, the factors that influence the choice of closing, and the specific nuances of writing both formal and informal greetings. Through clear explanations, insightful examples, and practical tips, this exploration will equip you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the complexities of Japanese letter closings and craft heartfelt and appropriate messages that leave a lasting impression.

Understanding Japanese Letter Closings: How To Close A Letter In Japanese

In the world of Japanese communication, letter closings are more than just polite formalities. They reflect the writer’s respect for the recipient and the formality of the relationship. Choosing the right closing is crucial for conveying the appropriate tone and maintaining a positive impression.

Formal and Informal Closings

Japanese letter closings are categorized by formality, ranging from highly formal to casual. This reflects the hierarchical nature of Japanese society and the importance of maintaining appropriate social boundaries. Formal closings are used in business correspondence, letters to superiors, or when writing to someone you don’t know well.

Informal closings are reserved for personal letters, emails to friends, or when writing to someone you’re close to.

Common Japanese Letter Closings

Here are some common Japanese expressions used to end letters, categorized by formality level:

Formal Closings

• 敬具 (keigu): This is the most formal closing, often used in business letters and official documents. It literally translates to “With respect.”
• 拝啓 (haikei): This closing is slightly less formal than “敬具” and is often used in letters to superiors or clients. It means “With deep respect.”
• 拝呈 (haitei): This closing is used when presenting a document or gift to someone. It means “With humble submission.”

Semi-Formal Closings

• 敬具 (keigu): This closing is less formal than “敬具” and is often used in personal letters to friends or family. It means “With best regards.”
• 御礼 (gorei): This closing is used when expressing gratitude or thanks. It means “With thanks.”

Informal Closings

• よろしくお願いいたします (yoroshiku onegai shimasu): This closing is used when requesting a favor or asking for help. It means “Please give my best regards.”
• どうぞよろしく (douzo yoroshiku): This closing is used when expressing good wishes or hoping for a positive outcome. It means “Best regards.”
• またね (matane): This closing is used in informal emails or letters to friends. It means “See you later.”

Examples of Letter Closings

Here are some examples of different closings for different types of letters:

Business Letter

• 敬具 (keigu) – Used in formal business letters.
• 拝啓 (haikei) – Used in letters to clients or superiors.

Personal Letter

• 敬具 (keigu) – Used in letters to friends or family.
• 御礼 (gorei) – Used when expressing gratitude.

Email

• よろしくお願いいたします (yoroshiku onegai shimasu) – Used in emails to colleagues or clients.
• どうぞよろしく (douzo yoroshiku) – Used in emails to friends or family.
• またね (matane) – Used in informal emails to friends.

Choosing the Right Closing

The closing of a Japanese letter is just as important as the opening. It reflects your relationship with the recipient, the purpose of the letter, and the overall tone you wish to convey. Choosing the right closing can leave a lasting impression and contribute to a successful communication.

Closings Based on Relationship and Purpose

The choice of closing often depends on your relationship with the recipient and the purpose of the letter.

• Formal Closings: When writing to someone you don’t know well, such as a business contact or a government official, it’s essential to use a formal closing. Common formal closings include:
  • 敬具 (keigu): This is the most formal closing and is used for letters to superiors or people you have no prior relationship with.

  • 敬具 (keigu): This is a slightly less formal version of 敬具, often used in business correspondence.
  • 拝啓 (haikei): This closing is used when writing to someone you have a formal relationship with, but not necessarily a superior.
• Informal Closings: When writing to friends, family, or close colleagues, you can use a more informal closing. Some common informal closings include:
  • 敬具 (keigu): This closing can be used in informal settings, especially when you are familiar with the recipient.

  • 拝啓 (haikei): This closing is suitable for writing to someone you know well but not necessarily a close friend.
  • かしこまりました (kashikomarimashita): This closing is used when you are responding to a request or instruction.
• Closings for Specific Purposes: Depending on the purpose of the letter, you may want to use a specific closing. For example:
  • Thanking someone: You can use a closing like ありがとうございました (arigatōgozaimashita) or 御礼申し上げます (o-rei mōshiagemasu).
  • Requesting information: You can use a closing like 恐れ入りますが (osoreirimasuga) or 何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます (nanjō yoroshiku onegai itashimasu).
  • Offering condolences: You can use a closing like お悔やみ申し上げます (o-kuyami mōshiagemasu) or ご冥福をお祈りいたします (go-meifuku o-inori itashimasu).

Formality Levels of Closings

Different closings carry different levels of formality.

Closing a letter in Japanese often involves using formal phrases like “敬具” (keigu) or “拝啓” (haikei), depending on the level of formality. While these greetings are common, you might find yourself needing to adapt the closing based on the context of the letter.

For instance, if you’re writing a business letter like the one found on the a&a services llc letter , you’ll want to choose a closing that reflects the professional tone of the document. Ultimately, the best closing will depend on the specific relationship you have with the recipient and the overall purpose of the letter.

• Formal Closings: These closings are typically used for professional or official correspondence. They convey respect and professionalism. Examples include 敬具 (keigu), 敬具 (keigu), and 拝啓 (haikei).
• Informal Closings: These closings are used for personal or casual correspondence. They convey a sense of familiarity and warmth. Examples include 敬具 (keigu), 拝啓 (haikei), and かしこまりました (kashikomarimashita).
• Neutral Closings: These closings are somewhere in between formal and informal. They can be used in a variety of situations. Examples include 敬具 (keigu), 拝啓 (haikei), and よろしくお願いいたします (yoroshiku onegai itashimasu).

Writing a Formal Closing

Formal closings in Japanese letters are essential for conveying respect and professionalism. They typically follow a specific structure, incorporating greetings, expressions of gratitude, and final salutations. Understanding these elements is crucial for crafting appropriate and impactful closings.

Formal Closing Structure

Formal Japanese letter closings often follow a standardized structure, incorporating three key elements:

• Greeting:A polite expression to begin the closing, acknowledging the recipient.
• Gratitude:An expression of thanks for the recipient’s time, consideration, or cooperation.
• Final Salutation:A formal closing phrase expressing respect and wishing well.

Formal Closing Examples

The specific choice of closing depends on the context and relationship between the sender and recipient. Here are examples of formal closings for different occasions:

Placement and Punctuation

Formal closings are typically placed at the end of the letter, starting on a new line and indented from the left margin. They are followed by a comma (,) and the sender’s name. For example:

敬具 (Keigu)〇〇 株式会社 (〇〇 Kabushiki-gaisha) 代表取締役 〇〇 (Daihyou Torishimariyaku 〇〇)

Writing an Informal Closing

Informal closings in Japanese letters are all about expressing warmth and familiarity, much like a friendly handshake at the end of a conversation. They’re used in personal correspondence, particularly with close friends, family, and romantic partners. The choice of closing often reflects the closeness of the relationship and the tone of the letter.

Common Informal Closings

Informal closings come in various levels of familiarity and affection. Here’s a breakdown:

Closings for Friends

• じゃあね (jaa ne): This is a very common and casual way to end a letter to a friend. It literally means “then, well,” and is similar to saying “see ya” in English.
• またね (mata ne): This closing means “see you later” and is a slightly more formal option than “じゃあね”.
• 元気でね (genki de ne): This means “stay well” and is a thoughtful way to end a letter, especially if you haven’t seen your friend in a while.
• 近いうちに (chikai uchi ni): This means “soon” and is a good way to end a letter if you’re planning to see your friend soon.

Closings for Family

• お元気で (o genki de): This means “stay healthy” and is a respectful and caring way to end a letter to a family member.
• いつもありがとう (itsumo arigatou): This means “thank you always” and is a good way to express your appreciation for your family.
• また連絡するね (mata renraku suru ne): This means “I’ll contact you again” and is a good way to end a letter if you want to keep in touch.

Closings for Romantic Partners

• 大好き (daisuki): This means “I love you” and is a very romantic way to end a letter to your partner.
• 愛してる (aishiteru): This is a more intense way to say “I love you” and is often used in more serious relationships.
• 会いたい (aitai): This means “I want to see you” and is a good way to end a letter if you’re missing your partner.
• いつもそばにいてくれてありがとう (itsumo soba ni ite kurete arigatou): This means “thank you for always being by my side” and is a heartfelt way to express your love and appreciation for your partner.

Examples of Informal Closings

Here are some examples of how to use informal closings in different types of personal letters:

Letter to a Friend

じゃあね、また近いうちに会おうね！(jaa ne, mata chikai uchi ni aou ne!)See ya, let’s meet soon!

Letter to a Family Member

お元気で、また連絡するね。(o genki de, mata renraku suru ne.)Stay healthy, I’ll contact you again.

Letter to a Romantic Partner

大好き、早く会いたい。(daisuki, hayaku aitai.)I love you, I want to see you soon.

Additional Considerations

Beyond the mechanics of letter closings, understanding the cultural nuances of Japanese letter writing is crucial for conveying respect and avoiding misunderstandings. Choosing the right closing can subtly express your level of formality, familiarity, and even your social standing.

Cultural Significance of Closings

The choice of closing in a Japanese letter carries significant cultural weight. Certain closings are associated with specific social contexts and can evoke different interpretations. For example, the formal closing “敬具 (keigu)” is often used in business correspondence, while the more informal “拝啓 (haikei)” might be used in personal letters to friends or family.

Using an inappropriate closing can be perceived as disrespectful or unprofessional.

Tips for Avoiding Cultural Faux Pas, How to close a letter in japanese

To navigate the intricacies of Japanese letter closings, consider these tips:

• Research the recipient:Before drafting your letter, research the recipient’s background and the nature of your relationship. This will help you choose an appropriate closing that reflects the level of formality required.
• Err on the side of formality:When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of formality. Choosing a more formal closing than necessary is generally considered safer than being too casual.
• Seek guidance:If you’re unsure about the appropriate closing, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a native Japanese speaker or a Japanese language expert.

Use of Honorifics and Polite Language

Honorifics and polite language are integral to Japanese communication, particularly in formal settings. In letter closings, these elements play a crucial role in conveying respect and deference.

• Formal Closings:Formal closings often include honorifics like “敬具 (keigu)” or “拝啓 (haikei).” These closings express a high level of respect and are typically used in business correspondence or letters to superiors.
• Informal Closings:Informal closings may use less formal honorifics or omit them altogether. For example, “敬具 (keigu)” might be replaced with “拝呈 (haitei)” or even “敬具 (keigu)” with “敬具 (keigu)” omitted.

“It’s important to remember that the use of honorifics and polite language in Japanese letter closings is not just a matter of grammar, but a reflection of your social awareness and respect for the recipient.”

Popular Questions

What are some common Japanese letter closings?

Some common closings include “敬具” (keigu) for formal letters, “拝啓” (haikei) for less formal letters, and “かしこまりました” (kashikomarimashita) for emails.

How do I choose the right closing for a business letter?

For business letters, it’s generally best to use formal closings like “敬具” (keigu) or “拝啓” (haikei), depending on the level of formality required.

Is it okay to use informal closings in emails?

While informal closings are acceptable in personal emails, it’s best to err on the side of formality in business emails, especially if you’re unsure of the recipient’s preference.

Are there any cultural considerations I should be aware of when closing a letter?

Yes, it’s important to be mindful of the cultural significance of specific closings and avoid using any that might be considered inappropriate or disrespectful.