畳語 Reduplication words
One of the very first reduplication word (words formed through the repetition of sounds) that many Japanese learners learn is もしもし (moshi moshi), but there are so many more. Here, I have put together a list of some that are often used in business situations.
そもそも Somo somo In the first place, to begin with, originally, first of all
そもそも、このデータは間違っています。
First of all, this data is incorrect.
しょうしょう (少々）shou shou Just a moment, a little bit
少々お待ちください。
Please wait a moment.
しばしば shiba shiba Often, repeatedly, time and time again, sometimes
こういうことは、しばしばあります。
This happens sometimes.
たびたび （度々）tabi tabi Often, again and again, over and over
たびたびすみません。
Sorry for troubling you over and over.
たまたま tama tama By chance, accidentally, unintentionally, happen to
たまたま通りがかった。
I happened to pass by.
ぎりぎり giri giri Just barely, at the very limit, at the last moment
ぎりぎり間に合った。
I made it just in time. (I barely made it)
もともと moto moto Originally, from the start, all along, always has been, by nature
彼とはもともと知り合いでした。
We knew each other before.
いろいろ （色々）iro iro All kind of, various, variety of
いろいろな種類があります。
There are many kinds.
いろいろあってキャンセルになりました。
It was cancelled for a number of reasons.
ぜんぜん (全然) zen zen Not at all
全然ありません。
There isn’t any.
だんだん （段々）dan dan Gradually, little by little, more and more, increasingly
顧客がだんだん増えてきました。
We are gradually getting more clients.
そろそろ soro soro Soon, any time now
そろそろ行きましょうか。
Shall we go now?
わざわざ waza waza Doing something deliberately, go out of one’s way.
わざわざありがとうございます。
Thank you for going out of your way for this. (Thank you for your trouble)
さくさく saku saku Doing something efficiently, proceeding/functioning smoothly.
さくさく動いてる。
It’s working smoothly. ( PC, app etc.)
またまた mata mata
Once again, repeatedly (emphatic expression of また mata)
Response to a joke, humble response to a compliment
またまたー！
You’re joking!
くれぐれ（も） kure gure (mo) Sincerely, repeatedly, Please make sure to…
くれぐれもお気をつけください。
Please be very careful. (Please make sure to be careful.)
Thank you for reading!
