Japan is known for its unique culture, and phone etiquette is no different. When making a call to a Japanese company or individual, you may come across the phrase『おかけになった電話はお客様のご都合によりおつなぎ』(Okake ni natta denwa wa okyakusama no go-tsugou ni yori otsunagi), which translates to “The phone you have called is temporarily unavailable due to the customer’s convenience.” In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this phrase and how it pertains to phone etiquette in Japan.
Understanding the Phrase
The phrase『おかけになった電話はお客様のご都合によりおつなぎ』is a polite way of saying that the person you are trying to reach is not available to take your call. In Japan, it is considered rude to ignore a call or not answer the phone, so this phrase is used as a way of apologizing for not being able to answer the call promptly.
It is important to note that this phrase is not a voicemail message. Instead, it is a live operator who answers the phone and delivers the message. The operator is trained to be polite and respectful, and they will often ask if you would like to leave a message or call back at a later time.
Why Do Japanese People Use This Phrase?
There are several reasons why Japanese people use the phrase『おかけになった電話はお客様のご都合によりおつなぎ』when they are unavailable to take a call. One reason is that it is considered impolite to ignore a call or not answer the phone, so this phrase is a way of acknowledging the call and apologizing for not being able to answer it promptly.
Another reason is that Japanese people value privacy and personal time. When someone is unavailable to take a call, it may be because they are in a meeting, taking a break, or spending time with their family. By using this phrase, they are politely letting the caller know that their personal time is important and that they will return the call when it is convenient for them.
Phone Etiquette in Japan
Phone etiquette in Japan is a reflection of the country’s culture and values. Japanese people place a high value on politeness, respect, and consideration for others, and this is reflected in their phone etiquette.
When making a call in Japan, it is important to remember to be polite and respectful. Begin the call by introducing yourself and stating the purpose of your call. If the person you are calling is unavailable, it is important to accept the fact that they may not be able to take your call and to be patient in waiting for them to return your call.
If you are leaving a message, be sure to speak clearly and leave your name, phone number, and the reason for your call. Japanese people value punctuality and reliability, so it is important to call back promptly when you receive a message or when someone has asked you to call them back.
Conclusion
『おかけになった電話はお客様のご都合によりおつなぎ』is a common phrase used in Japan to indicate that the person you are trying to reach is unavailable to take your call. It is a reflection of the country’s culture and values, which place a high value on politeness, respect, and consideration for others.
When making a call in Japan, it is important to remember to be polite and respectful, and to understand that personal time is valued and respected. By following proper phone etiquette, you can build strong relationships with your Japanese business partners and friends, and show that you respect and appreciate their culture and values.
