How To Politely Phrase what Problem Are You Trying To Solve?
How to Politely Phrase "What Problem Are You Trying to Solve?" in Business Japanese
In business communication, it's essential to ask the right questions to understand the needs and challenges of your clients or customers. One of the most critical questions you can ask is "What problem are you trying to solve?" However, phrasing this question in a polite and professional manner can be challenging, especially in a business email. In this article, we'll explore how to phrase this question in Business Japanese, also known as Keigo or Sonkeigo, to help you build strong relationships with your clients and customers.
Understanding Keigo and Sonkeigo
Keigo and Sonkeigo are two forms of polite language in Japanese that are commonly used in business communication. Keigo is a more formal and polite form of language that is used in formal situations, such as business meetings or written communication. Sonkeigo, on the other hand, is a more polite and humble form of language that is used to show respect and gratitude.
Phrasing the Question in Keigo
To phrase the question "What problem are you trying to solve?" in Keigo, you can use the following sentence:
- ใ${COMPANY_PRODUCT}ใใๅฉ็จใใใ้ใฎใๅ้กใฏไฝใงใใใใใ (What problem do you have when using our product?)
- ใ${COMPANY_PRODUCT}ใฎใๅฉ็จใซไผดใใๅ้กใฏไฝใงใใใใใ (What problem do you have related to the use of our product?)
In these sentences, we're using the polite form of the verb "to use" ( ใใๅฉ็จใใใใ ) and the phrase "ใๅ้ก" (problem) to show respect and politeness.
Phrasing the Question in Sonkeigo
To phrase the question "What problem are you trying to solve?" in Sonkeigo, you can use the following sentence:
- ใ็งใใกใฎ${COMPANY_PRODUCT}ใใๅฉ็จใใใ้ใฎใๅฟ้ ใฏไฝใงใใใใใ (What are you worried about when using our product?)
- ใ็งใใกใฎ${COMPANY_PRODUCT}ใฎใๅฉ็จใซไผดใใๅฟ้ ใฏไฝใงใใใใใ (What are you worried about related to the use of our product?)
In these sentences, we're using the polite form of the verb "to use" ( ใใๅฉ็จใใใใ ) and the phrase "ใๅฟ้ " (concern) to show respect and humility.
Additional Tips
When phrasing the question "What problem are you trying to solve?" in Business Japanese, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use the polite form of the verb "to use" ( ใใๅฉ็จใใใใ ) to show respect and politeness.
- Use the phrase "ใๅ้ก" (problem) or "ใๅฟ้ " (concern) to show that you're interested in understanding the client's or customer's needs.
- Avoid using the phrase "What's wrong with our product?" as it can come across as confrontational or accusatory.
- Use the phrase "What problem are you trying to solve?" as a way to start a conversation and build a relationship with the client or customer.
Phrasing the question "What problem are you trying to solve?" in Business Japanese can be challenging, but by using the right phrases and polite language, you can build strong relationships with your clients and customers. Remember to use the polite form of the verb "to use" ( ใใๅฉ็จใใใใ ) and the phrase "ใๅ้ก" (problem) or "ใๅฟ้ " (concern) to show respect and politeness. With practice and patience, you'll become more comfortable asking this question in Business Japanese and building strong relationships with your clients and customers.
Here's an example of how you can use the phrases we discussed in a business email:
Subject: ใ${COMPANY_PRODUCT}ใฎใๅฉ็จใซ้ขใใใ่ณชๅใ (Question about using our product)
Dear [Client/Customer],
ใ็งใใกใฎ${COMPANY_PRODUCT}ใใๅฉ็จใใใ้ใฎใๅ้กใฏไฝใงใใใใใ (What problem do you have when using our product?)
We're always looking for ways to improve our product and provide better service to our clients and customers. If you have any concerns or questions about our product, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
- ใใๅฉ็จใใใใ : polite form of the verb "to use"
- ใใๅ้กใ : problem
- ใใๅฟ้ ใ : concern
- ใKeigoใ : formal and polite form of language
- ใSonkeigoใ : polite and humble form of language
Q&A: How to Politely Phrase "What Problem Are You Trying to Solve?" in Business Japanese
In our previous article, we discussed how to phrase the question "What problem are you trying to solve?" in Business Japanese, also known as Keigo or Sonkeigo. However, we know that sometimes it's easier to understand a concept through a Q&A format. In this article, we'll provide a Q&A section to help you better understand how to phrase this question in Business Japanese.
Q: What is the difference between Keigo and Sonkeigo?
A: Keigo is a more formal and polite form of language that is used in formal situations, such as business meetings or written communication. Sonkeigo, on the other hand, is a more polite and humble form of language that is used to show respect and gratitude.
Q: How do I know which form of language to use?
A: If you're writing a formal email or letter, you should use Keigo. If you're speaking with a client or customer in person, you can use Sonkeigo to show respect and humility.
Q: What are some common phrases I can use to ask about problems?
A: Here are some common phrases you can use to ask about problems:
- ใ${COMPANY_PRODUCT}ใใๅฉ็จใใใ้ใฎใๅ้กใฏไฝใงใใใใใ (What problem do you have when using our product?)
- ใ${COMPANY_PRODUCT}ใฎใๅฉ็จใซไผดใใๅ้กใฏไฝใงใใใใใ (What problem do you have related to the use of our product?)
- ใ็งใใกใฎ${COMPANY_PRODUCT}ใใๅฉ็จใใใ้ใฎใๅฟ้ ใฏไฝใงใใใใใ (What are you worried about when using our product?)
- ใ็งใใกใฎ${COMPANY_PRODUCT}ใฎใๅฉ็จใซไผดใใๅฟ้ ใฏไฝใงใใใใใ (What are you worried about related to the use of our product?)
Q: How can I avoid coming across as confrontational or accusatory?
A: To avoid coming across as confrontational or accusatory, use phrases that show you're interested in understanding the client's or customer's needs. For example, instead of saying "What's wrong with our product?", say "What problem are you trying to solve?" or "What are you worried about?"
Q: Can I use this question in a sales pitch or presentation?
A: Yes, you can use this question in a sales pitch or presentation. However, be sure to use it in a way that shows you're interested in understanding the client's or customer's needs. For example, you could say "We're always looking for ways to improve our product and provide better service to our clients and customers. Can you tell us what problem you're trying to solve with our product?"
Q: How can I follow up on the client's or customer's response?
A: After the client or customer responds to your question, be sure to follow up with a response that shows you're interested in understanding their needs. For example, you could say "Thank you for sharing that with us. We're glad to hear that you're experiencing [insert issue here]. We'd like to offer you a solution to help you with that."
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when asking about problems?
A: Here are some common mistakes to avoid when asking about problems:
- Using a confrontational or accusatory tone
- Asking the question in a way that comes across as dismissive or uncaring
- Not following up with a response that shows you're interested in understanding the client's or customer's needs
Phrasing the question "What problem are you trying to solve?" in Business Japanese can be challenging, but by using the right phrases and polite language, you can build strong relationships with your clients and customers. Remember to use the polite form of the verb "to use" ( ใใๅฉ็จใใใใ ) and the phrase "ใๅ้ก" (problem) or "ใๅฟ้ " (concern) to show respect and politeness. With practice and patience, you'll become more comfortable asking this question in Business Japanese and building strong relationships with your clients and customers.
- ใใๅฉ็จใใใใ : polite form of the verb "to use"
- ใใๅ้กใ : problem
- ใใๅฟ้ ใ : concern
- ใKeigoใ : formal and polite form of language
- ใSonkeigoใ : polite and humble form of language