Go-kento Kudasai: Mastering Japanese Business Decision Phrases

Summary: “Go-kento kudasai” (ご検討ください) is a staple of Japanese business communication. It translates to “please consider” or “please review,” but carries deep layers of professional courtesy that go far beyond a simple request. It is the hallmark of a polite, patient, and respectful professional in Tokyo.

If you have spent any time navigating the Japanese corporate landscape, you have undoubtedly seen Go-kento kudasai filling your inbox. It is the polite closing statement for proposals, project updates, and even minor inquiries. Yet, it is often misunderstood by foreign professionals who treat it as a generic “please think about this.” In reality, it represents the Japanese business virtue of patience and the avoidance of pressure.

When you send a proposal to a client or a colleague, you are essentially opening a door to a relationship. In the West, we might push for an immediate decision. In Japan, that feels aggressive. By using Go-kento kudasai, you are providing the recipient with the “mental space” to discuss the matter internally, often through the Horenso process, without feeling rushed.

“Tanaka-san, regarding the revised project timeline, I have attached the documents for your reference. Go-kento kudasai.”

The nuance here is that you are deferring to their authority. You aren’t demanding an answer; you are offering an opportunity for their wisdom. It’s a subtle dance. If you fail to use this phrase when it is expected, you may come across as impatient or arrogant—traits that rarely go far in a keigo-heavy environment.

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make

The most common error is pairing this phrase with a deadline. If you write, “Please consider this by tomorrow,” you effectively cancel out the politeness of Go-kento kudasai. If you truly need a deadline, use more specific business phrasing like O-isogashi no tokoro moushiwake arimasen ga… (I apologize for being busy, but…). Confusing Go-kento kudasai with Yoroshiku onegai shimasu (a blanket request for cooperation) is also frequent. Remember: Go-kento is for decision-making; Yoroshiku is for the general flow of work.

Slang and Softening Variations

While Go-kento kudasai is rigid and formal, you will hear variations depending on the seniority. If you have built a strong rapport with a partner, you might hear Go-kento no hodo, yoroshiku onegai shimasu—a common way to soften the request by adding the standard “please look after me/this matter.” Also, read up on how to manage delicate project adjustments with Uchi-awase to ensure your business requests are always aligned with company expectations.

Pro-Tip: Never use “Go-kento kudasai” to a superior if you want to be extremely formal. Instead, use the more humble “Go-kento no hodo, yoroshiku o-negai moushiagemasu.” It elevates your level of respect to match the seniority of the recipient.

Mastering this phrase is not just about linguistics; it’s about understanding that in Japan, business is built on the deliberate, sometimes slow, process of consensus-building. When you use Go-kento kudasai, you show that you respect that process.