5 Essential Japanese Phrases for Expressing Opinions

Can you clearly express your opinions? Whether at work, with family, friends, a partner, or customers, it can sometimes be difficult to speak your mind. I feel the same way—I don’t always express myself perfectly. But I try my best every day! (ง ･̀ o･́)งﾌｧｲｯ(ง ` о´)۶ｵｰ!!

There is a term in Japanese called "同調圧力 (どうちょうあつりょく, dōchō atsuryoku)", meaning "peer pressure." In the past, maintaining group harmony was seen as a virtue, but times have changed. Today, it’s crucial for individuals to voice their opinions to create a healthy work environment and better relationships with less stress.

1. Expressing Your Opinion Clearly

🗣 私の意見は～～です。なぜなら○○○だからです。
(わたしのいけんは～です。なぜなら○○○だからです。)
My opinion is ～ because ○○○.

🗣 私の意見としては、～～と思いますが、いかがでしょうか？
(わたしのいけんとしては、～とおもいますが、いかがでしょうか？)
In my opinion, I think ～. What do you think?

🗣 個人的には～～と思います。
(こじんてきには～とおもいます。)
Personally, I think ～.

After stating your opinion, always follow up with "なぜなら (nazenara)" or "なぜかというと (nazeka to iu to)" (because...). This makes it easier to explain your thoughts and helps the listener understand you better.

Using "私の意見 (watashi no iken)" or "個人的には (kojinteki ni wa)" emphasizes that this is just your opinion. It also signals that you respect other viewpoints.

Don’t forget to ask for the other person’s thoughts!

• "いかがでしょうか？ (ikaga deshou ka?)"

• "どう思いますか？ (dou omoimasu ka?)"

Encouraging discussion helps improve communication and mutual understanding.

2. Respecting Others' Opinions While Sharing Yours

🗣 △△さんの意見もいいと思いますが、～～するとより良いと思います。
(△△さんのいけんもいいとおもいますが、～するとよりよいとおもいます。)
I think △△’s opinion is good, but I believe it would be even better if ～.

Start by acknowledging and complimenting the other person’s opinion before offering your own. This makes them more open to listening to your perspective.

3. Encouraging Others to Share Their Opinions

🗣 △△さんは何か思うことはありますか？
(△△さんはなにかおもうことはありますか？)
➡️ △△, do you have any thoughts on this?

This phrase is great for creating an environment where people feel comfortable expressing their opinions. Try using it with juniors, subordinates, or quiet colleagues and friends. A simple prompt like this might encourage someone who finds it hard to speak up.

Expressing your opinions is important for effective communication and building better relationships. Try using these phrases in your conversations!

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