How to finish a letter in Japanese is an essential skill for anyone who communicates with Japanese speakers or wants to demonstrate their respect and professionalism. Just like in English, the closing of a letter in Japanese carries significant weight and can leave a lasting impression. In this article, we will explore various ways to conclude a letter in Japanese, ensuring that your message is appropriately wrapped up.
One common way to finish a letter in Japanese is by using expressions of gratitude or appreciation. For instance, you can use “ありがとうございます” (Arigatou gozaimasu), which means “Thank you.” If you want to express a deeper sense of gratitude, you can say “ありがとうございますと存じます” (Arigatou gozaimasu to sonzaimasu), meaning “I am truly grateful.” These expressions are suitable for both formal and informal letters.
Another way to conclude a letter in Japanese is by wishing the recipient well. You can say “お元気でください” (Ogenki de kudasai), which translates to “Please take care of yourself.” This expression is particularly appropriate when you want to convey your concern for the recipient’s well-being. In a formal letter, you can use “お体に気をつけてください” (Otanishini kitazuke kudasai), meaning “Please take care of your health.”
When ending a letter in Japanese, it’s also essential to express your intention to maintain communication. You can say “またお会いできることを楽しみにしています” (Mata oiai dekimasu koto wo tanoshimi ni shite imasu), which means “I am looking forward to meeting you again.” This expression conveys your eagerness to continue the relationship and is suitable for both formal and informal letters.
For formal letters, it’s customary to use more polite and formal expressions. In this case, you can say “拝啓” (Haieki) followed by the recipient’s name, and then “敬具” (Keigo), meaning “With respect.” For example, “拝啓～様、敬具” (Haieki～sama, keigo) translates to “Dear～sama, With respect.” This format is appropriate for business letters or letters to someone of higher status.
Lastly, don’t forget to sign off with your name. In Japanese, it’s common to write your name in kanji characters. If you’re not familiar with kanji, you can simply write your name in hiragana or katakana. Make sure to include your full name, including your family name, to show respect.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to finish your letter in Japanese with grace and professionalism. Remember to choose the appropriate expressions based on the context and your relationship with the recipient. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable using these expressions and will be able to effectively communicate in Japanese.
