Yuka当社、弊社、御社、貴社 — four ways to say “company” in Japanese business language. This is essential keigo vocabulary for job hunting and business communication!
Rei当社 and 弊社 refer to YOUR company; 御社 and 貴社 refer to the OTHER PERSON’S company. And within each pair, one is spoken and one is written. Let’s map it all out!
| 当社 (tousha) | 弊社 (heisha) | 御社 (onsha) | 貴社 (kisha) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refers to | Our company | Our company (humble) | Your company (spoken) | Your company (written) |
| Register | Neutral / standard | Humble / formal | Spoken / formal | Written / formal |
| Use | General business | Formal, deferential contexts | Conversation, interviews | Emails, documents |
当社 vs 弊社 — Referring to Your Own Company
Both 当社 and 弊社 mean “our company,” but 弊社 is the humble form (謙譲語). In formal business communication, 弊社 is preferred as it shows deference to the other party.
- 当社の製品をご紹介します。— Let me introduce our company’s products. (standard)
- 弊社では〇〇を取り扱っております。— Our company handles 〇〇. (humble, formal)
- 弊社へのご応募ありがとうございます。— Thank you for applying to our company.
御社 vs 貴社 — Referring to the Other Company
御社 and 貴社 both mean “your company” (the company you are speaking to), but 御社 is used in speech and 貴社 is used in writing. This distinction is important in job interviews and business emails.
- （面接で）御社を志望した理由は〜— (In an interview) My reason for applying to your company is…
- （メールで）貴社の発展を心よりお祈り申し上げます。— (In an email) I sincerely wish for the continued growth of your company.
The Key Rule
| Spoken | Written | |
|---|---|---|
| Your company | 御社 (onsha) | 貴社 (kisha) |
| Our company (humble) | 弊社 (heisha) | 弊社 (heisha) |
Memory tip: 御社 has 社 (company) with an honorific 御 — say it when speaking. 貴社 has 貴 (noble/precious) — write it. 弊社 has 弊 (humble/worn-out) — use it for your own company in formal contexts.
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
The most common mistake in job interviews is saying 貴社 (the written form) instead of 御社 (the spoken form). This is one of the most-tested points in Japanese business etiquette. Always use 御社 in spoken interviews and 貴社 in written applications and emails.
Quick Quiz
In a face-to-face job interview, which word do you use to refer to the company you’re interviewing at?
Answer: 御社 (onsha) — spoken form.
Practice with a Tutor
Business Japanese keigo is critical for job hunting and professional life. A native tutor will drill you on these essential distinctions.
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