Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a business card is most commonly expressed as 名刺 (meishi), but there are also related terms for personal cards and shop cards. The exchange of business cards (名刺交換, meishi kōkan) is a highly ritualized part of Japanese business culture.
A card used in professional settings, containing one's name, title, company, and contact information.
The standard term for a business card in Japan. Used in all professional contexts.
名刺を交換しましょう。
Let's exchange business cards.
すみません、名刺をいただけますか？
Excuse me, may I have your business card?
A card used for personal introductions, often with just a name and maybe contact info, not tied to a company.
Even personal cards are often called 名刺, though they may be less formal.
個人用の名刺を作りました。
I made personal business cards.
A loanword for a personal card, often used to distinguish from a company business card.
プライベートカードを渡してもいいですか？
May I give you my personal card?
A card given by a shop or service provider, often with a map or menu.
Commonly used for a shop's business card, often with a map or stamp card.
このお店のショップカードをもらえますか？
Can I get this shop's business card?
Can also be used for a shop's card, but ショップカード is more specific.
美容院の名刺をいただきました。
I received the hair salon's business card.
The act of exchanging business cards, which is a formal ritual in Japan.
The formal term for the exchange of business cards. It involves specific etiquette: presenting with both hands, receiving with both hands, and not putting it away immediately.
名刺交換のマナーを教えてください。
Please teach me the etiquette of exchanging business cards.
When exchanging business cards (名刺交換), stand up, present your card with both hands, Japanese side facing the recipient, and bow slightly. Receive the other person's card with both hands, thank them, and study it briefly before putting it away carefully. Never write on a business card in front of the giver or put it in your back pocket.
名刺をお持ちですか？
Do you have a business card?
名刺を忘れてしまいました。
I forgot my business cards.