Don't Rush to Say "Dekimasu!": The Art of Talking About Your Experience Like a Pro

Hello everyone. For those of us who have lived and worked in Japan for over 10 years, I'm sure you've experienced this moment:

Your boss asks: 「この業務、できる？」(Can you do this task?) You, with all the confidence and textbook knowledge, proudly answer: 「はい、できます！」(Yes, I can do it!)

It sounds perfectly correct, doesn't it? You're showing your willingness and capability. But have you ever noticed a brief moment of hesitation on your boss's face, or felt that your answer was somehow... a bit "hollow"? 🤔

This is one of the most subtle traps in Japanese business communication, where the truth lies not just in the words, but in the nuance and humility. In this post, we'll break down why the seemingly perfect phrase 「できます」can actually cost you points, and why 「やったことがあります」is the "secret weapon" of the truly savvy.

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💥 The Pitfall of 「できます」(Dekimasu - I can do it)

In textbooks, 「できます」is the standard translation for "I can do it." But in the reality of a Japanese workplace, it carries a few risks:

1. It sounds absolute and arrogant: When you say 「できます」, you are making a strong assertion, almost a 100% guarantee of success. In Japanese culture, where variables are always a possibility (不確定要素 - fukakutei youso), such a strong statement can be perceived as lacking caution, or even a bit boastful.

2. It doesn't convey the depth of your experience: 「できます」only speaks to ability, not experience. Can you do it because you just read the manual, or because you've done it 100 times at your previous company? The listener can't tell. This creates a dangerous ambiguity about the quality of work you will deliver.

3. It puts you in a difficult position: Once you've declared 「できます」, there's almost no turning back. If the result doesn't meet expectations, you'll be judged as someone who is "all talk and no action" (口だけ - kuchi dake). It creates unnecessary pressure on yourself.

In short, 「できます」is a double-edged sword: sharp but dangerous. So, what would a pro say?

✨ The Pro's Choice: 「やったことがあります」(Yatta koto ga arimasu - I have experience doing it)

This is the "golden" answer you've been looking for. Let's analyze the subtle difference:

• Literal meaning: "I have had the experience of doing that."
• Implied meaning: "I'm not a complete beginner; I have a foundation in this. However, I understand that every company has its own way of doing things, and I am ready to learn your company's approach."

See the difference? 🏆

Why is 「やったことがあります」so effective?

• It's humble and factual: You are simply stating the fact that "you have prior experience." This sounds much safer, more realistic, and more humble than guaranteeing a future outcome.
• It opens up a dialogue: This is the key benefit! When you say this, the listener's natural reaction will be to ask further: 「そうですか。具体的にどんな内容ですか？」(I see. What did that involve specifically?). This is your chance to elaborate on your experience, your achievements, and demonstrate your abilities in the most convincing way.
• It builds trust: By using this phrase, you show that you are a person who understands the nuances of the workplace, who is self-aware, and who has practical experience, not just empty confidence.

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📈 Level Up Your Answers: The Experience Scale

To become a communication master, don't just stop at these two phrases. Equip yourself with a full "scale" to describe your experience with precision:

• Level 1: No experience

  • 未経験ですが、ぜひ挑戦させていただきたいです。
  • (I don't have experience, but I would be very eager to take on the challenge.)

• Level 2: Have only studied/read about it

  • 独学で勉強したことがあります。
  • (I have studied it on my own.)

• Level 3: Have done it before (The Golden Zone!) 🌟

  • はい、前職で経験があります。
  • (Yes, I have experience with it from my previous job.)

• Level 4: Can handle the process from A-Z

  • 一通りの業務はできます。
  • (I can handle the general workflow from start to finish.)

• Level 5: Confident/My specialty (Only use when you are a true expert!)

  • はい、得意としております。
  • (Yes, it is my specialty.)

💡 Real-life Scenario

Boss: 「Power BI、使ったことある？」(Have you ever used Power BI?)

• Inexperienced answer: 「はい、できます！」(Yes, I can!)

  • Risk: The boss might immediately assign you a complex analysis task. 😥

• Professional answer: 「はい、前職でレポート作成のために使ったことがあります。」(Yes, I have experience using it to create reports at my previous job.)

  • Result: The boss understands the scope of your experience and will likely ask, "To what extent did you create reports?" -> You get a safe and convincing opportunity to showcase your skills. 👍

Conclusion

In Japanese communication, especially in the workplace, demonstrating your ability must always go hand-in-hand with humility and managing others' expectations. Shifting your habit from saying 「できます」 to 「やったことがあります」 isn't just changing a phrase; it's changing your entire communication mindset.

It's the step that takes you from someone who is "learning Japanese" to someone who "uses Japanese" skillfully and effectively in a professional setting.

Good luck scoring big points in your next conversation! 😉