Meaning
to report; to give a report; to notify; to inform
Nuance & Usage
報告する means to give an official report or inform someone of a situation. In Japanese business culture, 報告・連絡・相談 (houkoku, renraku, soudan — reporting, informing, consulting) — often abbreviated as ほうれんそう (hourenso) — are essential communication principles. 報告 is upward communication (reporting results/progress to superiors); 連絡 is horizontal communication (sharing information with peers); 相談 is seeking advice (from seniors). Mastering this trio is key to Japanese workplace communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 報告する for casual information sharing between peers, but it carries a formal/hierarchical nuance — you report to someone above you. For casual sharing, use 伝える (tsutaeru — to convey) or 知らせる (shiraseru — to let someone know). The ほうれんそう (houkoku, renraku, soudan) principle is famous in Japanese business — knowing this framework shows cultural understanding. 報告書 (houkokusho) is a written report.
Example Sentences
プロジェクトの進捗を上司に報告しました。
ぷろじぇくとのしんちょくをじょうしにほうこくしました。
I reported the progress of the project to my supervisor.
何か問題があれば、すぐに報告してください。
なにかもんだいがあれば、すぐにほうこくしてください。
If there is any problem, please report it right away.
日本のビジネスでは「報告・連絡・相談」がとても大切です。
にほんのびじねすでは「ほうこく・れんらく・そうだん」がとてもたいせつです。
In Japanese business, "reporting, informing, and consulting" is very important.
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