Receiving Sensitive Workplace Feedback | Learn Japanese in English

Japanese lesson set in a contemporary Tokyo everyday setting: In a workplace feedback session, two adults discuss frustration during a review and how to make sensitive criticism easier to receive..

EN → JA / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Receiving Sensitive Workplace Feedback to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

レビュー中、あなたはいら立っているように見えました。

ree-BYOO CHOO, ah-nah-TAH wah ee-rah-DAHT-teh ee-ROO YOH-nee mee-eh-mah-SHTAH. I noticed you seemed frustrated during the review.
B

そうでしたが、その気持ちに支配されないようにしていました。

SOH deh-shee-tah gah, ah-noh kee-MOH-chee nee shee-HAH-ee sah-reh-NAH-ee YOH-nee shee-teh-ee-mah-SHTAH. I was, although I tried not to let it dominate.
A

コメントは率直でしたが、仕事そのものに対するものでした。

koh-MEHN-toh wah soht-CHOH-koo deh-shee-tah gah, shee-GOH-toh soh-noh MOH-noh nee tie-SOO-roo MOH-noh deh-shee-tah. The comments were direct, but they were aimed at the work.
B

今は理解していますが、そのタイミングには不意を突かれました。

ee-MAH wah ree-KAH-ee shee-teh-ee-MAHSS gah, soh-noh TAI-ming-oo nee wah foo-EE oh tsoo-kah-reh-mah-SHTAH. I understand that now, but the timing caught me off guard.
A

デリケートなフィードバックを予定しているときは、もっと早くお知らせできます。

deh-ree-KEH-toh nah FEE-doh-BAHK-koo oh yoh-TEH shee-teh EE-roo toh-kee wah, MOHT-toh hah-yah-koo oh-shee-RAH-seh deh-kee-MAHSS. We can give you more notice when we expect sensitive feedback.
B

それなら、その場でもっとよく考えて対応できそうです。

SOH-reh nah-rah, soh-noh BAH deh MOHT-toh YOH-koo kahngah-eh-teh tie-OH deh-kee-SOH dehss. That would help me respond more thoughtfully in the moment.
A

あなたの分析は、修正が必要な部分も含めて価値がありました。

ah-nah-TAH noh boon-SEH-kee wah, shoo-SEH-ee gah heet-soo-YOH nah boo-BOON moh foo-koo-MEH-teh KAH-chee gah ah-ree-mah-SHTAH. Your analysis was valuable, even where revisions were needed.
B

その区別を示してくれてありがたいです。批判の受け止め方が変わります。

soh-noh koo-BEH-tsoo oh shee-MEH-shee-teh koo-REH-teh ah-ree-gah-TAH-ee dehss, hee-HAHN noh oo-keh-toh-meh-KAH-tah gah kah-wah-ree-MAHSS. I appreciate that distinction, because it changes how I interpret criticism.

Word by Word

レビュー レビュー means a review in this workplace context. It names the meeting or process during which the speaker seemed irritated. A new example is 業績レビュー, meaning a performance review.
中 中 marks the period during which an activity is in progress, so レビュー中 means during the review. It commonly follows an activity or event to mark that time. A new example is 会議中, meaning during a meeting.
あなた あなた identifies the person being observed as you. Here it refers to the colleague whose emotional state was noticed. A new example is あなたはどう思いますか, meaning what do you think?
は は marks あなた as the topic of the sentence. The sentence is about you and how you appeared during the review. A reusable pattern is XはYです, with X as the topic.
いら立っている いら立っている describes the state of being irritated or frustrated. Here it is the apparent emotional state connected to ように見えました. A new example is 彼はいら立っている, meaning he is irritated.
ように ように connects いら立っている with 見えました and makes the meaning seem or look as if someone is irritated. It presents the speaker's observation rather than a direct statement of the person's inner state. The reusable pattern Xように見える means look or seem as if X.
見えました 見えました means looked or seemed in this sentence. Its citation form is 見える, and this polite past form reports how the person appeared during the review. A new example is 元気に見えます, meaning someone looks well.
そう そう refers to the situation just described and means so or that way in そうでした. Together with でした, it confirms that the speaker was indeed frustrated. It does not independently mean frustration here.
でした でした politely presents the earlier state as was in そうでした. Its citation form is です, and the past form confirms the previous observation. A new example is 静かでした, meaning it was quiet.
が が connects the acknowledgment そうでした with a contrasting explanation. Here it means but and introduces the speaker's effort not to be dominated by the feeling. A reusable pattern is Aですが、Bです, meaning A, but B.
その その points to the feeling already under discussion and modifies 気持ち, giving that feeling. It links the noun to shared context rather than introducing a new feeling. The reusable pattern その＋noun means that noun in the current context.
気持ち 気持ち means a feeling or emotional state. Here it refers to the frustration mentioned in the previous line. A new example is 気持ちを話す, meaning to talk about one's feelings.
に に marks 気持ち as the force or thing involved in being dominated in 気持ちに支配されない. It identifies what the speaker is trying not to be controlled by. A reusable pattern is Xに支配される, with X as the force that controls someone.
支配 支配 contributes the idea of control or domination in 支配されない. In this dialogue, the feeling is the thing that might control the speaker. A new example is 感情に支配される, meaning to be controlled by emotion.
されない されない is the negative form used after 支配 to say not be controlled or dominated. It expresses the speaker's effort to avoid that situation. The reusable pattern Xに支配されない means not be controlled by X.
していました していました means was making an effort or was doing something over the relevant period. In ようにしていました, it describes the speaker's continuing effort not to let the feeling dominate. Its citation form is する, and a reusable pattern is 〜ようにしています for maintaining an effort.
コメント コメント means comments or feedback remarks. Here it refers to the direct remarks made during the review. A new example is コメントを受ける, meaning to receive comments.
率直 率直 describes the comments as direct and candid. In this dialogue, it describes how the feedback was expressed, not whether it was directed at the person. A new example is 率直な意見, meaning a candid opinion.
仕事 仕事 means the work itself or the work being evaluated. Here it is the subject of the comments, as emphasized by そのもの. A new example is 仕事について話す, meaning to talk about work.
そのもの そのもの means the thing itself, and in 仕事そのもの it means the work itself. Within this construction, その points to 仕事 and もの adds the idea of the thing being considered, emphasizing that the work—not the person—was the target. A reusable pattern is Xそのもの, meaning X itself.
対する 対する means be directed toward or concern in 仕事そのものに対するもの. It shows that the comments were directed at the work itself. A new example is その問題に対する意見, meaning an opinion concerning that issue.
もの もの means thing or what something is in 仕事そのものに対するもの. Here it refers back to the comments as things directed at the work itself, rather than a physical object. The reusable pattern Xに対するもの can refer to something directed toward or concerning X.
今 今 means now and marks the speaker's current understanding. It contrasts the present interpretation with the earlier moment when the timing was unexpected. A new example is 今は理解しています, meaning I understand now.
理解しています 理解しています means understand in the current situation. Its citation form is 理解する, and the form presents understanding as a state the speaker now has. A reusable pattern is Xを理解しています, meaning understand X.
タイミング タイミング means timing, referring to when the feedback was given. Here the timing, rather than the content of the comments, caught the speaker by surprise. A new example is タイミングが重要です, meaning timing is important.
不意を突かれました 不意を突かれました means was caught off guard as a whole. In this expression, 不意 contributes unexpectedness, を marks what is affected, and 突かれました presents the speaker as being suddenly struck by that unexpectedness. A reusable pattern is Xに不意を突かれる, meaning be caught off guard by X.
デリケート デリケート means sensitive or delicate in デリケートなフィードバック. It describes feedback that needs careful handling because it may be difficult to receive. A new example is デリケートな話題, meaning a sensitive topic.
な な links デリケート to the noun フィードバック, allowing the description to modify that noun. In デリケートなフィードバック, it forms the phrase sensitive feedback. The reusable pattern is descriptive wordな＋noun.
フィードバック フィードバック means feedback, specifically the sensitive workplace comments expected in this line. It is the information the speaker is being given about the work. A new example is フィードバックを受ける, meaning to receive feedback.
を を marks フィードバック as the object of the action expressed by 予定している. It identifies what is being planned or expected. A reusable pattern is nounを予定する, with the noun as the planned item.
予定 予定 means a plan or scheduled intention. In 予定している, it indicates that the speaker's side is planning to give the feedback. A new example is 面談を予定する, meaning to schedule a meeting.
している している follows 予定 and indicates a current plan or arrangement in 予定している. Its citation form is する, and here it presents the planning as current. A reusable pattern is nounを予定している, meaning currently planning noun.
とき とき means when or at the time that. Here it introduces the situation in which sensitive feedback is expected. A reusable pattern is 〜ときは, meaning when 〜, with は marking that situation.
もっと もっと means more or to a greater extent. Here it modifies 早く and means earlier than before. A new example is もっと詳しく説明する, meaning explain in more detail.
早く 早く means earlier or sooner in もっと早くお知らせできます. Its citation form is 早い, and the adverbial form specifies that the informing can happen at an earlier time. A new example is 早く知らせる, meaning inform someone early.
お知らせ お知らせ means informing or letting someone know in お知らせできます. The polite お- form gives the expression a courteous workplace tone. A reusable pattern is 〜をお知らせします, meaning I will inform you of 〜.
できます できます means can or be able to in お知らせできます. Its citation form is できる, and it shows that giving earlier notice is possible. A reusable pattern is verb phrase＋できます, meaning can do the verb phrase.
それ それ refers to the proposal just made, namely giving more advance notice. It identifies that situation as the basis for the speaker's response. A new example is それを理解しています, meaning I understand that.
なら なら frames the preceding situation as a condition and means if so or in that case. Together, それなら introduces the response to the offer of more notice. A reusable pattern is それなら、〜, meaning in that case, 〜.
場 場 means the immediate situation or setting in その場. Here it refers to the moment when the feedback is being given. A new example is その場で決める, meaning decide on the spot.
で で marks その場 as the setting where the response happens. In その場でもっとよく考えて対応できそうです, it means at or in that situation. A reusable pattern is placeでaction, with で marking where the action occurs.
よく よく means well or carefully in よく考えて. It shows that the speaker wants to think through the feedback before responding. A new example is よく考える, meaning think carefully.
考えて 考えて means think and or after thinking, linking the thinking process to 対応. Its citation form is 考える, and the te-form connects the two actions in sequence. A reusable pattern is よく考えて答える, meaning think carefully and answer.
対応 対応 means respond to or handle a situation. Here it refers to handling the feedback in the moment after considering it. A new example is 問題に対応する, meaning deal with a problem.
できそう できそう means seem able to in 対応できそうです. It combines the possibility expressed by できる with そう to show that responding thoughtfully now appears possible. A reusable pattern is verb phrase＋できそう, meaning seem able to do the verb phrase.
です です politely closes the statement できそうです. Its citation form is です itself as the polite copula, and here it gives the assessment a polite sentence ending. A new example is 大丈夫です, meaning it is okay.
の The listed form の does not function as a standalone form in the supplied Japanese dialogue. The dialogue contains の only inside もの in そのもの and もの, so its separate meaning here cannot be confirmed.
分析 分析 means analysis. Here it refers to the colleague's analytical work, which is judged valuable even though some parts needed revision. A new example is データを分析する, meaning analyze data.
修正 修正 means revision or correction in 修正が必要. It identifies changes that some parts of the analysis still required. A new example is 文書を修正する, meaning revise a document.
必要 必要 means necessary or needed. In 修正が必要, it says that revision was required for some parts. A reusable pattern is nounが必要, meaning noun is necessary.
部分 部分 means part or section. Here it refers to the sections of the analysis where revisions were needed. A new example is この部分を修正する, meaning revise this part.
も も means even or also in 修正が必要な部分も含めて. It includes the parts needing revision in the statement that the analysis was valuable. A reusable pattern is nounも含めて, meaning including noun as well.
含めて 含めて means including and connects the included parts to the overall evaluation. Its citation form is 含める, and here it includes the sections needing revision within the analysis judged valuable. A reusable pattern is nounも含めて, meaning including noun as well.
価値 価値 means value or worth. In 価値がありました, it says that the analysis was worthwhile despite the need for revisions. A new example is 価値がある, meaning have value.
ありました ありました means was present or existed in 価値がありました, which naturally means had value or was valuable. Its citation form is ある, and this polite past form reports the value as belonging to the completed analysis. A new example is 問題がありました, meaning there was a problem.
区別 区別 means distinction or separation between two things. Here it refers to distinguishing criticism of the work from criticism of the person. A new example is 二つを区別する, meaning distinguish two things.
示して 示して means showing or pointing out, linking the explanation of the distinction to the speaker's appreciation. Its citation form is 示す, and the te-form connects that helpful action with くれてありがたい. A reusable pattern is 違いを示す, meaning show a difference.
くれて くれて marks 示して as something done for the speaker's benefit. Its citation form is くれる, and in 示してくれてありがたい it helps express appreciation for the other person's helpful action. A reusable pattern is verbてくれてありがたい, meaning I appreciate your doing the verb.
ありがたい ありがたい means appreciated or something the speaker is grateful for. Here it expresses gratitude that the distinction was pointed out. A new example is 助けてくれてありがたい, meaning I appreciate your helping me.
批判 批判 means criticism. Here it refers to the review comments whose meaning the speaker is learning to interpret differently. A new example is 批判を受ける, meaning receive criticism.
受け止め 受け止め means receiving, taking in, or processing in 批判の受け止め方. Its citation form is 受け止める, and the form contributes the idea of how criticism is taken in. A reusable pattern is 意見を受け止める, meaning take in or accept an opinion.
方 方 means way or manner in 受け止め方. It turns the preceding action into the way of receiving or processing something, so 批判の受け止め方 means the way of taking criticism. A reusable pattern is verb stem＋方, meaning the way of doing the verb.
変わります 変わります means changes or will change. Its citation form is 変わる, and here the subject is the speaker's way of receiving criticism, which changes because of the distinction. A new example is 考え方が変わります, meaning one's way of thinking changes.

Grammar Points

Nに対するN

率直なフィードバックに対する受け止め方

soht-CHOH-koo nah FEE-doh-BAHK-koo nee tie-SOO-roo oo-keh-toh-meh-KAH-tah

the way of receiving direct feedback

に対する means “directed at” or “toward” and modifies a noun that follows.

V-できそうです

その場で対応できそうです

soh-noh BAH deh tie-OH deh-kee-SOH dehss

It seems possible to respond in the situation at hand.

できそうです expresses that something seems possible or likely to be done.

Japanese Vocabulary

いら立っている verb
ee-rah-DAHT-teh ee-ROO to be frustrated / irritated
お知らせできます verb
oh-shee-RAH-seh deh-kee-MAHSS can let someone know; can notify
そのもの phrase
soh-noh MOH-noh itself
デリケート adj
deh-ree-KEH-toh sensitive; delicate
フィードバック noun
FEE-doh-BAHK-koo feedback
レビュー noun
ree-BYOO review
気持ち noun
kee-MOH-chee feeling
支配されない verb
shee-HAH-ee sah-reh-NAH-ee not to be dominated / controlled
対する verb
tie-SOO-roo to be directed at; to be toward
不意を突かれました phrase
foo-EE oh tsoo-kah-reh-mah-SHTAH was caught off guard
予定している verb
yoh-TEH shee-teh EE-roo to be planning; to be expecting
率直 adj
soht-CHOH-koo direct; frank

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

sensitive; delicate

Show Answerデリケート

to be frustrated / irritated

Show Answerいら立っている

not to be dominated / controlled

Show Answer支配されない

was caught off guard

Show Answer不意を突かれました