Translation guide
In Japanese, how you refer to a coworker depends on your relationship, the workplace context, and whether you are talking to them, about them to someone inside the company, or about them to someone outside the company.
How to address or refer to a coworker when speaking directly to them
The default polite way to address a coworker. Use their family name followed by さん. This is safe in almost all workplace situations.
田中さん、この書類をお願いします。
Tanaka-san, please take care of this document.
If the coworker holds a specific position, you can address them by their title, often without the name. For teachers, doctors, or certain professionals, use 先生.
部長、ちょっとお時間よろしいですか。
Department head, do you have a moment?
In very casual or friendly workplaces, you might use a coworker's first name or a nickname, but this is only appropriate with people you are close to and of similar status. Avoid with superiors.
Using first names can be seen as overly familiar or rude if the relationship isn't close. Stick to last name + さん when in doubt.
ケン、今日ランチ行かない？
Ken, want to go for lunch today?
How to refer to a coworker when speaking to another colleague or superior within the same company
When talking about a coworker to another insider, use their name with さん. This is neutral and polite.
佐藤さんは今日お休みです。
Sato-san is off today.
A neutral word meaning 'colleague' or 'coworker'. It can be used when you don't need to specify the person's name, or when speaking generally.
同僚に手伝ってもらいました。
I got help from a coworker.
When referring to a superior, you can use their title alone, especially if the context makes it clear who you mean.
課長が会議に出席されます。
The section chief will attend the meeting.
Literally 'work companion', this implies a closer, more collaborative relationship. It's less formal and can sound friendly.
彼は信頼できる仕事仲間です。
He's a reliable coworker.
How to refer to a coworker when speaking to clients, customers, or anyone outside your organization
When talking about a coworker to an outsider, drop the さん. This shows humility and respect toward the outsider by lowering your in-group member.
田中が担当いたします。
Tanaka will be in charge.
For superiors, use their title alone without さん when speaking to outsiders. This follows the same in-group/out-group rule.
部長の山田はただいま外出しております。
Department head Yamada is currently out of the office.
Means 'employee' or 'staff member'. Use when referring to a coworker in a general sense to an outsider, often with 'うちの' (our).
A humble way to refer to a person, often used in formal business contexts. It can replace 人 when talking about a coworker to an outsider.
How to express the concept of 'coworker' in a general sense, not referring to a specific person
The most common and neutral word for 'coworker' or 'colleague'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
新しい同僚とランチに行った。
I went to lunch with a new coworker.
同僚とのコミュニケーションは大切だ。
Communication with coworkers is important.
Slightly more casual and implies camaraderie. Often used among people who work closely together.
仕事仲間と飲みに行くのが楽しみだ。
I look forward to going out for drinks with my coworkers.
A casual, colloquial way to say 'someone from work' or 'coworker'. Literally 'company person'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
昨日、会社の人と映画を見た。
Yesterday I watched a movie with a coworker.
Similar to 会社の人, but can be used even if you don't work at a company (e.g., a shop, school). Literally 'workplace person'.
職場の人たちとバーベキューをした。
I had a barbecue with people from work.
In Japanese business etiquette, you must humble your in-group when speaking to out-group members. Adding さん to a coworker's name when talking to a client is considered rude because it elevates your colleague above the client. Always drop the honorific.
申し訳ございません、田中はただいま席を外しております。
I'm sorry, Tanaka is away from their desk right now.
同僚 is the standard, neutral term for 'coworker' and can be used in any situation. 仕事仲間 emphasizes a bond through shared work and is slightly more casual. 会社の人 is very casual and conversational, often used when the workplace context is already clear. Avoid 会社の人 in formal writing or speeches.
For learners, the safest strategy is to address and refer to coworkers (inside the company) with their family name plus さん. This is polite, natural, and avoids the risk of being too familiar or accidentally rude.
Our employee caused you trouble.
The person in charge will call you later.