politeLesson 24

Stating an Opinion in a Meeting — Section chief

Situation

Where
A team meeting
Who
You and the section chief
Goal
To express disagreement politely.

Conversation

Show

A

About the budget, may I add one point?

B

Yes, please go ahead.

A

I understand your point. However, I think there's another way to see it.

B

I see. Specifically, what do you mean?

A

In terms of cost, I think this proposal is more realistic.

Vocabulary (10)

itten

one point

一点よろしいでしょうか = "may I add one point?"

ossharu

to say (honorific)

Respectful form of 言う for the other person.

mikata

viewpoint / way of seeing

別の見方 = "another perspective."

gutaitekini

specifically / concretely

Asks for detail politely.

〜nomende

in terms of

コストの面で = "in terms of cost."

genjitsuteki

realistic / practical

現実的な案 = "a realistic proposal."

kakunin

confirmation / check

Daily-use word: ご確認お願いします means "please check."

shouchishimashita

understood (polite)

Politer than 分かりました; use with managers and clients.

houkoku

report

Part of 報連相 (report, contact, consult) — core Japanese work etiquette.

renraku

contact / communication

後で連絡します = "I will contact you later."

Grammar

Sentence + ただ、

Softly introduces a counterpoint, gentler than でも.

Plain form + かと思います

Very soft opinion: "I think perhaps…"

Plain form + と考えます

States a considered opinion, formal register.

Cultural Notes

Workplace etiquette

Disagreement is cushioned: acknowledge the other view (おっしゃることは分かります) before offering yours.

Common mistake

Avoid flat 違います ("that's wrong"). Use ただ、別の見方も to disagree without confrontation.

Formality level

Polite. 一点よろしいでしょうか is a graceful way to take the floor.

Quiz

What does "一点" mean?

What does "おっしゃる" mean?

What does "見方" mean?

What does "具体的に" mean?

What does "〜の面で" mean?

What does "現実的" mean?

How is the pattern "ただ、〜" used?

How is the pattern "〜かと思います" used?

How is the pattern "〜と考えます" used?

What is the goal of this conversation?

Flashcards

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