Go-setsumei itashimasu (ご説明いたします) is the humble, polite way of saying ‘I will explain.’ In the Japanese business world, it serves as a bridge that signals to your counterpart that you are about to provide information, clarify a process, or guide them through a proposal. Unlike simple phrases, it carries a weight of professional accountability and humility.
When I first moved to Tokyo, I thought the goal was to keep my Japanese concise. I quickly learned that in a boardroom, ‘efficiency’ isn’t just speed; it’s the courtesy of signaling what you are about to do. Using Go-setsumei itashimasu tells your clients, ‘I respect your time, and I am about to offer you the clarity you deserve.’
The Nuance of Humility
The verb itashimasu is a humble form (kenjougo) of suru (to do). By choosing this over the standard shimasu, you are elevating your counterpart. You aren’t just ‘explaining’; you are performing an act of service for them. It is a subtle shift that changes the atmosphere of any meeting, moving it from a transaction to a relationship-building exercise.
When to Use It
Use this phrase when you are about to present a slide, explain a complex contract clause, or clarify why a deadline might need to be pushed back. It works perfectly alongside your standard Horenso in Japan protocol, ensuring that your reports are both timely and professionally delivered.
Client: ‘Why is the budget structure set this way?’
You: ‘Go-setsumei itashimasu. We designed this to prioritize long-term scalability.’
Pro-Tip: Avoid the ‘Over-Explainer’ Trap!
While Go-setsumei itashimasu is polite, don’t use it as a crutch if you don’t actually have a plan. If you are stalling for time, it will be transparent. Only use it when you are prepared to offer genuine value. If you need to align on expectations first, you might be better served by initiating an Uchi-awase to ensure everyone is on the same page before jumping into a full explanation.
Common Mistakes
Many foreigners make the mistake of using this phrase to explain simple things that are already obvious, which can sound patronizing. Remember that in Japanese business culture, the listener’s perspective is paramount. If something is a simple reminder, use a softer approach. Also, avoid shortening it to ‘Setsumei shimasu’ with superiors; the Go- prefix and the humble itashimasu are non-negotiable for professional etiquette.
Slang Variations?
In a strict office environment, there is no ‘slang’ version of this phrase. While your team might use casual language after work over drinks, Go-setsumei itashimasu is a bedrock of formal etiquette that should remain untouched. Trying to ‘slang-ify’ it in an email or presentation will sound jarringly unprofessional to a native speaker.
