Japanese for Accepting Criticism: Say 'Thanks, I'll Work on That'
Learn elementary Japanese phrases to accept criticism gracefully and commit to improvement, distinguishing this from accepting an apology. Includes key expressions, a dialogue, and practice.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When someone points out a mistake or gives you critical feedback, a good response shows you take it seriously and plan to improve. In Japanese, this often means thanking the person and stating that you will work on the issue. This lesson teaches you elementary phrases to accept criticism politely, ask clarifying questions, and express your intention to improve. You'll also learn how this differs from accepting an apology, which focuses on acknowledging fault rather than future action.
By the end, you can…
- thank someone for critical feedback in Japanese.
- say I will work on improving a specific point.
- ask a clarifying question about the criticism.
- distinguish accepting criticism from accepting an apology.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
ご指摘ありがとうございます。
Thank you for pointing that out.
go-shiteki arigatō gozaimasu
Polite and formal; use in business or when speaking to a superior. 'ご指摘' means 'pointing out' and is very appropriate for criticism.
気をつけます。
I'll be careful. / I'll watch out for that.
ki o tsukemasu
A standard way to show you will try to avoid the mistake in the future. Use with colleagues, friends, or family.
直します。
I'll correct it.
naoshimasu
Use when the criticism is about a specific error you can fix, like a mistake in a document or a wrong answer.
どうすればいいですか。
What should I do?
dō sureba ii desu ka
Ask this to get concrete advice on how to improve. It shows you are willing to learn.
もっと頑張ります。
I'll try harder.
motto ganbarimasu
A general expression of determination to improve. Use when the criticism is about effort or overall performance.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
A common pattern for accepting criticism is: 'ご指摘ありがとうございます。' (Thank you for pointing that out.) + specific action. For example, 'ご指摘ありがとうございます。気をつけます。' (Thank you for pointing that out. I'll be careful.) You can also add 'これから' (from now on) to emphasize future improvement: 'これから気をつけます。' (I'll be careful from now on.) If you need more details, ask 'どうすればいいですか。' (What should I do?) or 'どこが問題ですか。' (What is the problem?).
When to use it
Use these phrases when someone gives you negative feedback, points out a mistake, or suggests you change your behavior. For example, if your boss says 'このレポート、間違いが多いですね。' (This report has many mistakes.), you can reply 'ご指摘ありがとうございます。直します。' (Thank you for pointing that out. I'll correct it.) This is different from accepting an apology, where you might say 'すみません' (I'm sorry) and '気をつけます' but the focus is on acknowledging fault, not necessarily on a plan for improvement. When accepting criticism, always include a forward-looking statement like '直します' or 'もっと頑張ります' to show you will act.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
田中さん、この資料、少し分かりにくいですね。
Tanaka-san, this document is a bit hard to understand.Tanaka-san, kono shiryō, sukoshi wakarinikui desu ne.ご指摘ありがとうございます。どうすればもっと分かりやすくなりますか。
Thank you for pointing that out. What can I do to make it easier to understand?Go-shiteki arigatō gozaimasu. Dō sureba motto wakariyasuku narimasu ka.そうですね。もう少し図を使ったほうがいいと思います。
Let's see. I think it would be better to use more diagrams.Sō desu ne. Mō sukoshi zu o tsukatta hō ga ii to omoimasu.分かりました。直します。ありがとうございます。
I understand. I'll correct it. Thank you.Wakarimashita. Naoshimasu. Arigatō gozaimasu.A little context goes a long way
In Japanese workplaces and social situations, accepting criticism with a grateful attitude is important for maintaining harmony. Directly arguing or making excuses can be seen as immature. Using humble language like 'ご指摘ありがとうございます' shows respect and willingness to learn. However, among close friends, a simpler 'ありがとう、気をつける' is fine. Note that 'ご指摘' is more formal than '指摘', so choose based on the relationship.
One thing to watch for
Using 'すみません' alone as a response to criticism, without stating how you will improve.
Try this instead: 'すみません' acknowledges fault but doesn't show a plan for improvement. When accepting criticism, add a forward-looking phrase like '気をつけます' or '直します'. For example, 'すみません、気をつけます。' (I'm sorry, I'll be careful.) is better, but 'ご指摘ありがとうございます。直します。' is even more appropriate because it thanks the person and states action.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Your coworker says your presentation was too long. What do you say to thank them and ask for advice?
Show a sample answer
ご指摘ありがとうございます。どうすればよかったですか。
This thanks the person and asks for specific advice. You could also say 'どうすればいいですか。' Both are polite and show willingness to improve.
2You made a spelling mistake in a report. Your boss points it out. What do you say to accept the criticism and promise to fix it?
Show a sample answer
ご指摘ありがとうございます。直します。
This directly thanks and states you will correct it. '直します' is appropriate for fixable errors. You could also add '気をつけます' for future prevention.
3What is the difference between accepting criticism and accepting an apology in Japanese?
Show a sample answer
Accepting criticism focuses on thanking for feedback and stating future improvement, while accepting an apology focuses on acknowledging fault and saying sorry.
In criticism, you often use 'ご指摘ありがとうございます' and '直します' or '気をつけます'. In apology, you use 'すみません' or 'ごめんなさい' and may add '気をつけます' but the main point is remorse, not necessarily a plan.
When you receive criticism in Japanese, thank the person with 'ご指摘ありがとうございます' and state a concrete action like '直します' or '気をつけます'. This shows respect and a commitment to improve, which is valued in Japanese culture.
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