Today’s article is about Japanese words that have the meaning of “your company”. 御社/おんしゃ/Onsha and 貴社/きしゃ/Kisha both refer to the company, and although their original meanings are slightly different, they tend to be used confusingly. Both words are frequently used in business situations.
Definitions
貴社/きしゃ/Kisha: your company
御社/おんしゃ/Onsha: your company
貴社(Kisha) is a written word that means “Your company”. The meaning is the same as 御社(Onsha) but they are used in different situations. 貴社(Kisha) is used in resumes and entry sheet (Company-specific CV) and document for a client company. The word 貴社(Kisha) is used to show respect to the company. There are many homonyms of 貴社(Kisha), so in order to avoid possible confusion, 貴社(Kisha) is a written word. This does not mean you cannot use 貴社(Kisha) when speaking. You still can use 貴社(Kisha) when speaking, but do not use 御社(Onsha) and 貴社(Kisha) in the same context as it can be confusing as the sentence can lose unity. However, there are some people who believe 貴社(Kisha) should be only used as a written word, so it is best to use 貴社(Kisha) only in a written form to avoid misunderstanding by those people. As synonyms, there are word 貴会(Kikai) and 貴館(Kikan). 貴会(Kikai) is an expression of respect to the association and 貴館(Kikan) is an expression of respect to museums and libraries.
御社(Onsha) is also a word for “Your company” but it is a colloquial expression. The letter 御 is a prefix that functions to make a word honorific. It is a word used with respect but tends to be used mainly in spoken language. This word 御社(Onsha) is often used in job interviews and business meetings with clients.
Although it is common to use 御社(Onsha) as a spoken word and use 貴社(Kisha) as a written word, it is not wrong to use 御社(Onsha) as a written word. It is important to be consistent, and avoid using 貴社(Kisha) in the middle of a sentence when you were speaking using 御社(Onsha).
Examples
貴社(Kisha)
自分のこれまでの経験は必ず貴社に貢献出来ると考え、入社を志望いたしました。
じぶんのこれまでのけいけんはかならずきしゃにこうけんできるとかんがえにゅうしゃをしぼういたしました。
Jibun no koremade no keiken wa kanarazu kisha ni kouken dekiru to kangae, nyusha wo shibo itashimashita.
I applied to join your company because I believe that my past experience will surely contribute to your company.
末筆ではございますが、貴社の益々の発展をお祈り申し上げます。
まっぴつではございますが、きしゃのますますのはってんをおいのりもうしあげます。
Mappitsu dewa gozaimasuga, kisha no masumasu no hatten wo oinori moushiagemasu.
At the end of this letter, I would like to express my best wishes for the continued growth of your company.
1st example is a cliche sentence that often can be seen on a resume or CV. 2nd example is an ending sentence that is often used in the letter and email.
御社(Onsha)
今までの経験は必ず御社に貢献できるものであると考えております。
いままでのけいけんはかならずおんしゃにこうけんできるものであるとかんがえております
Imamade no keiken wa kanarazu onsha ni koken dekiru mono de aru to kangaete orimasu.
I believe that the experience I have gained so far will definitely contribute to your company.
御社が第一志望です。
おんしゃがだいいちしぼうです
Onsha ga daiichi shibo desu.
Your company is my first choice.
Although the meanings of 貴社(Kisha) and 御社(Onsha) seem to be almost the same, they should be used in different situations. If you use them incorrectly, you may be perceived as lacking common sense. It is important to remember the correct usage.
Momoka Yamaguchi
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