Question
I’m planning a business meeting in Japan, and I want to be polite when asking for someone’s business card. How do I ask “May I have your business card?” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
お名刺（めいし）を頂（いただ）けますか。
O-meishi o itadakemasu ka?
May I have your business card?
In Japan, exchanging business cards, or “meishi”, is an important part of business etiquette. The phrase “o-meishi o itadakemasu ka?” is a polite way to request someone’s business card. The prefix “o-” is added to “meishi” to show respect. “Itadakemasu ka” is the polite form to say “may I receive”. It’s good practice to handle the business card with both hands when receiving it.
This expression helps convey respect and professionalism in a Japanese business setting.
