Fundamental TermsThe basic words you’ll hear in every company:
Brainstorming : creative group thinking session
Deadline : mandatory due date
Feedback : comments and input
Meeting : work gathering
Benchmark : competitive analysis
Brief : summary of key information
Follow-up : tracking progress
Workshop : collaborative work session
Common Acronyms
Essential abbreviations every professional should know:
CEO : Chief Executive Officer
HR : Human Resources
KPI : Key Performance Indicator
ROI : Return On Investment
B2B : Business to Business
B2C : Business to Consumer
FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions
CRM : Customer Relationship Management
SME : Small and Medium Enterprise
AGM : Annual General Meeting
M&A : Mergers and Acquisitions
Essential English Expressions
Must-know phrases in professional English:
“Let’s touch base” : let’s reconnect, check in
“Think outside the box” : be creative, innovate
“Win-win situation” : mutually beneficial outcome
“Game changer” : revolutionary factor
“Low-hanging fruit” : easily achievable goals
“Move the needle” : make significant impact
“Circle back” : return to topic later
“Across the board” : affecting everyone
“Mean business” : be serious
“Hard sell” : aggressive sales approach
“Go public” : become publicly traded company
“Make a cold call” : unsolicited sales call
“Cut a deal” : reach an agreement
“Blow a deal” : ruin an opportunity
Vocabulary by Department
Each department has its own technical jargon:
Management and Leadership
Empowerment : giving autonomy to employees
Coaching : personalized guidance
Leadership : ability to lead and inspire
Roadmap : strategic plan
Milestone : important project stage
Stakeholder : interested party
Upskilling : skill development
Change management : managing organizational change
Human Resources
Onboarding : new employee integration process
Talent acquisition : recruiting talent
Soft skills : interpersonal abilities
Hard skills : technical competencies
Performance review : employee evaluation
Employer branding : company reputation as employer
Turnover : employee rotation rate
Headcount : number of employees
Finance and Accounting
Cash flow : money movement
Budget : financial plan
Forecast : financial projection
EBITDA : Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization
P&L : Profit and Loss statement
Capex : Capital expenditures
Opex : Operating expenses
Break-even : profitability threshold
Marketing and Communication
Lead generation : creating potential customers
Conversion rate : percentage of prospects becoming customers
Brand awareness : brand recognition
Content marketing : marketing through content
Influencer : opinion leader
Viral : rapidly spreading
Engagement : audience interaction
Storytelling : narrative marketing
Workplace Locations
Spaces you’ll encounter daily:
Company/Business : enterprise
Firm : business organization
Factory/Plant : manufacturing facility
Building : structure
Premises : business location
Headquarters : main office
Warehouse : storage facility
Reception desk : front desk
Meeting room : conference room
Canteen : cafeteria
Open space : open office layout
Car park/Parking lot : parking area
Facilities : amenities
Restroom/Bathroom/Toilet : washroom
Coffee machine : coffee maker
Vending machine : automatic dispenser
Positions and Hierarchy
Company structure and roles:
Executive : senior manager
Manager : supervisor
Accountant : financial professional
Receptionist : front desk staff
Secretary : administrative assistant
Sales representative : salesperson
Employee : worker
Employer : company owner
Staff/Personnel : workforce
Workforce : labor force
Apprentice/Trainee : learner
Board of directors : governing body
Chairman : board leader
General manager : operations head
Junior/Senior executive : lower/upper management
Top management : senior leadership
Day/Night shift : work schedule
Payroll : salary list
Time and Planning
Managing time in business is crucial:
On time : punctual
Late : delayed
Short/Middle/Long term : time periods
To postpone : delay
To cancel : call off
To schedule : plan timing
Schedule : timetable
Delay : postponement
To meet a deadline : complete on time
To put off : postpone
To call off : cancel
To slow down : reduce speed
To hurry up : accelerate
To foresee : anticipate
Employment and Recruitment
Complete professional lifecycle:
Work : labor
Job : position
Employment : job status
Mission : assignment
Task : specific duty
To hire/recruit : employ
To fire/dismiss : terminate employment
To retire : end career
To resign : quit voluntarily
Training : skill development
Promotion : advancement
Unemployment : joblessness
Responsibilities : duties
To be responsible for : be in charge of
To be in charge of : manage
To manage/deal with : handle
To work in shifts : rotating schedule
To work at night : nighttime work
To be made redundant : laid off for economic reasons
To quit/leave : abandon job
To hand your notice : give resignation
Fringe benefits/Perks : additional benefits
To take on : hire
Unemployment benefit : jobless compensation
To be jobless/out of work : unemployed
Job Interview
Recruitment keywords:
To apply for a job : seek employment
Application : job request
Vacancy : open position
Position : job role
Job interview : employment meeting
Candidate : applicant
Recruiter : hiring manager
CV/Résumé : curriculum vitae
Cover letter : application letter
To succeed/fail : pass/not pass
Diploma/Degree : qualification
To interview : conduct interview
Interviewee : person being interviewed
Interviewer : person conducting interview
Killer questions : challenging questions
Recommendation letter : reference letter
Success/Failure : positive/negative outcome
To graduate : complete studies
University/College : higher education
Bachelor’s degree : undergraduate degree
Master’s degree : graduate degree
Skill/Competence : ability
Know-how : practical knowledge
Expertise : specialized knowledge
Meetings
The art of effective meetings:
Attendee : participant
To attend : participate
Agenda : meeting schedule
Chairman/Chairperson : meeting leader
Minutes : meeting record
Conference call : video meeting
Decision : choice made
Objective/Purpose : goal
Summary : overview
Vote : decision by ballot
Alternative : other option
Absentee : non-attendee
Ballot : voting process
Item : agenda point
Main point : key topic
Target : goal
To target : aim at
To aim for : strive for
Vote by show of hands : visible voting
Unanimous : all agree
To adjourn : postpone
Money and Finance
The lifeblood of business:
Salary/Wage : payment for work
Bonus : additional payment
Salary rise : pay increase
Invoice : bill
Receipt : payment proof
Payslip : salary statement
Cost : expense
Price : amount charged
Discount : price reduction
Investment : money put into business
Voucher : payment token
Gift : present
Bill/Check : payment request
To bargain : negotiate price
Bargain : good deal
Reduced price : lower cost
Price tag : price label
Counter offer : alternative proposal
Deal : agreement
Proposal : suggestion
Rebate/Reduction : discount
To work out/calculate : compute
To invest : put money into
To save/spare money : keep money
To spend money : use money
Leave and Absences
Managing time off professionally:
Holiday/Vacation : time off
To be on holiday : taking vacation
Day off : free day
Bank/Public holiday : official holiday
To be closed : not operating
Out of the office : away from work
To be away : absent
Sick leave : medical absence
Maternity leave : pregnancy leave
To call in sick : report illness
To miss : be absent from
Communication
The foundation of effective collaboration:
Email : electronic message
Subject line : message topic
Attachment : file included
To forward : send on
To reply : respond
Carbon copy : duplicate message
Dear Mr/Madam : formal greeting
Best regards : professional closing
Postal Mail
Letter : written message
Parcel : package
Post office : mail service
Mailbox : mail container
Stamp : postage
Weight : mass
To weigh : measure mass
Mail : postal service
To post/mail/send : dispatch
Looking forward to hearing from you : awaiting response
Telephone
To call : phone someone
To call back : return call
Phone number : contact digits
To dial : enter number
To pick up : answer phone
To hang up : end call
Mobile phone : cell phone
Wrong number : incorrect contact
To run out of battery : power depleted
To charge : restore power
To speak louder/slower : adjust speech
To repeat : say again
Information Technology
Essential digital tools:
Software : computer program
To download : retrieve file
To upload : send file
To log in/out : access/exit system
Keyboard : input device
Mouse : pointing device
Screen : display
Bug : software error
Password : access code
USB stick/Flash drive : portable storage
To switch on/off : power on/off
To sign up/register : create account
To connect : link up
Headphones : audio device
Loudspeakers : sound output
Defect/Fault : malfunction
Font : text style
Size : dimension
Home page : main web page
Tab : browser window
To underline : mark under text
Bold : thick text
Capital letters : uppercase
Desktop computer : stationary computer
Laptop : portable computer
White board : writing surface
Scotch tape : adhesive tape
Sticky notes/Post-it : adhesive notes
To run a machine : operate equipment
Devices : equipment
Problems and Solutions
Tackling daily challenges:
Issue/Problem : difficulty
To solve : find solution
Solution : answer
Out of order : not working
Broken : damaged
Mistake/Error : wrong action
To agree/disagree : share/not share opinion
To negotiate : discuss terms
What’s the matter? : what’s wrong?
To (not) get along with : (not) have good relationship
To argue : dispute
To face a problem : confront difficulty
To figure out : discover solution
To underestimate : value too low
Flaw/Default : imperfection
Flawless : perfect
To crash : system failure
To break down : stop working
To go bankrupt : become insolvent
Presentations and Charts
Convincing with visual data:
Graph/Chart : data visualization
To increase : grow
To decrease : reduce
To fluctuate : vary
To stagnate : remain static
Presentation : formal talk
Slide : presentation page
Company Types
Understanding different structures:
Company : business entity
Joint venture : partnership business
Multinational : global corporation
Non-profit organisation : charity organization
Private/Public sector : business/government sector
Public limited company : publicly traded company
Business corporation : incorporated business
Startup : new innovative company
Branch : subsidiary office
Overseas/Abroad : international
Business Management
Essential strategic actions:
To manage a firm : run a business
To run a company : operate business
To merge : combine companies
To restructure : reorganize
To dissolve : close company
Takeover : acquisition
Takeover bid : acquisition offer
To take over : assume control
To upgrade : improve
Advanced Finance
Specialized financial vocabulary:
Bankruptcy : insolvency
To file for bankruptcy : declare insolvency
To go bust : fail financially
To pay off a debt/loan : repay money owed
Administration : court supervision
Reorganisation plan : recovery strategy
Winding up : business closure
To write off : cancel debt
Advanced Sales and Marketing
Commercial and marketing techniques:
Competitors : rival companies
Partners : business allies
Sponsors : financial supporters
Suppliers : providers
Clients/Customers : buyers
Handshake : greeting gesture
Contract : legal agreement
Cost estimate/Quotation : price proposal
Ballpark figure : approximate amount
Range : product line
Turnkey : ready-to-use
Agreement : mutual understanding
Commitment : dedication
Compromise : mutual concession
To move upmarket : target premium segment
To rely on : depend on
To back up : support/save data
To order : request purchase
To supply/provide : deliver
To manufacture/produce : make
To point out : highlight
To highlight : emphasize
To check in/out : register arrival/departure
To file : organize documents
To tidy up : organize
Word of mouth : personal recommendation
New Terms 2025
Words defining modern work:
Artificial Intelligence
Prompt engineering : designing AI instructions
AI washing : misleading AI marketing
Human in the loop : human oversight in automation
Sustainable Development
Green washing : misleading environmental claims
Impact investing : socially responsible investment
Circular economy : sustainable economic model
Hybrid Work
Digital nomad : location-independent worker
Async work : non-simultaneous work
Zoom fatigue : video call exhaustion
Agile Methods
Sprint : intensive work period
Stand-up meeting : brief daily meeting
Retrospective : improvement review
User story : user requirement
Workplace Wellbeing
Burnout prevention : avoiding exhaustion
Mental health day : wellness time off
Psychological safety : emotionally safe environment
Presentation Phrases
Mastering professional presentation skills:
We are here to discuss : our purpose is to talk about
It must be remembered that : important to recall
The pros/cons are : advantages/disadvantages include
Another key point : additional important matter
A major concern : significant issue
A significant issue : important problem
This chart shows : data displays
Let me expand : allow me to elaborate
By that I mean : to clarify
So what I’m saying : my point is
Let’s consider : let’s examine
With this in mind : considering this
Now that we understand : having established
There’s no doubt : certainly
For this reason : therefore
We’re pushed for time : time is limited
I’ll keep it short : I’ll be brief
We’re running out of time : time is ending
Before we end : prior to concluding
Let me remind you : allow me to recall
To recapitulate : to summarize
The first thing to remember : primary point
On the positive/negative side : advantageous/disadvantageous aspect
As an illustration : for example
To give you an example : to demonstrate
Simply put : in simple terms
Moving on to : transitioning to
In conclusion : to summarize
To sum up : in summary
In a nutshell : briefly
Specialized Vocabulary by Sector
Technical terms by field:
Business plan : strategic document
Rookie : beginner
Charisma : personal magnetism
Speech/Pitch : formal presentation
Knowledge : information
The basics : fundamental elements
Comprehensive list : complete inventory
Bullet points : key items
PowerPoint presentation : slide show
File : document collection
To think outside the box : be creative
To run out of time : have no time left
To be short of : lack
To make a speech : deliver presentation
To present : show
To return : give back
To send : dispatch
Career and Development
Professional growth:
Career : professional path
Internship : work experience
Job offer : employment opportunity
Occupation : profession
Odd/Casual job : temporary work
Summer/Holiday job : seasonal employment
Trade union : labor organization
Working conditions : employment terms
Workplace : work environment
Professional Adjectives
Effective business descriptions:
Smart : intelligent
Available/Busy : free/occupied
Competitive : rivalry-focused
Experienced : skilled
Hardworking : diligent
Feasible : achievable
Updated : current
Outdated : obsolete
Tailored : customized
Top of the range : premium quality
Expensive/Cheap : costly/inexpensive
Old-fashioned : traditional
Overwhelmed : overloaded
Corporate : business-related
Rough/Smooth : uneven/even
Hard/Soft : rigid/flexible
Extensive : comprehensive
Heavy/Light : weighty/lightweight
Right/Wrong : correct/incorrect
**********
21 Business English idioms, expressions, and phrases
1. A long shot
This phrase comes from sports, like basketball for example when a player is trying to shoot from a long distance.
It means something unlikely to happen. With very little chance of success.
Example: Getting a senior position in the corporation one day is a long shot, but if you don’t try you’ll never
find out if it’s possible.
2. Back to the drawing board
This expression means to start something again from the beginning because it’s not working as you would have
liked or expected.
Example: This project is not going as planned, let’s get back to the drawing board and fix what’s going wrong.
3. To corner the market
To control enough quantity of a product or service that enables one to then change the market price willingly.
It can also mean to be the only one making or providing a given product or service.
Example: Intel has pretty much cornered the market of microprocessors for servers.
Their direct competition, AMD, is a distant second.
4. Hands are tied
When you are unable to carry out any meaningful action because of regulations, rules or other people with authority.
Example: I wish I could help you cut through all this red tape (another business idiom meaning administrative procedures) but my hands are tied. My boss won’t let me.
5. Up in the air
When things are highly uncertain when a decision has not been made yet.
Example: We were hoping to sign the contract by the end of the month, but there are still too many things up in the air we need to deal with first.
6. To learn the ropes
To learn the basics of a profession, a specific task or activity.
Example: It took her a while to learn the ropes, but now she is confident and we feel that we can count on her to manage her client portfolio effectively.
7. A learning curve
The process of learning, usually from trial and error. We often say that there can be a steep learning curve,
which means that one has to learn things quickly to meet the requirements of a specific job.
Example: There was a steep learning curve when I started out trading stock options, but I now feel like
I’m finally getting the hang of it (another idiom which means to master something).
8. To go down swinging
An expression that comes from boxing. To swing means to throw an arcing punch.
The expression refers to someone who fights to the very end, who never gives up until it’s completely
over and there is no possibility of victory.
Example: The future of our company is uncertain due to our massive debt, but I can guarantee that we
will go down swinging, whatever happens, we will not give up easily.
9. By the book
To do things strictly by the rules.
Example: I don’t want to take any chances of getting caught by the financial regulators and having to pay
significant fines. We have to do everything by the book.
10. To cut corners
Almost the opposite of the book. This means to do things most quickly and cheaply to save time and money
but often compromising quality and bending the rules (another expression which means not strictly following
all the rules).
Example: The company’s decision to cut corners ended up costing them dearly when they got caught red-handed
and had to pay a huge fine for committing fraud.
11. Between a rock and a hard place
When there’s no easy way out or a good solution. Whatever you do, whichever option you choose,
the outcome will not be ideal.
Example: Management finds itself between a rock and a hard place after the corruption scandal that has erupted.
Either they file for bankruptcy and hope that law enforcement forgets about them, or they stay in business and run the risk of going to jail.
12. From the ground up
To build or start something from nothing, from zero.
Example: Building a company from the ground up can bring you great pride if you are successful.
13. The bottom line Usually referring to the final profit margin of a business when all expenses have been paid.
Example: At the end of the day, what shareholders care about is the bottom line which will determine the
dividends they take home every year.
14. To get down to business To start getting serious about something. Example : We’ve wasted enough time
debating on the official launch date.
Let’s get down to business now, we have work to do.
15. To get someone up to speed To update someone on the current situation or to give them all the necessary
information to allow them to complete their task or fulfil their mission.
Example: Why don’t you come to the office and I’ll take the time to get you up to speed before we go to
the meeting.
16. It’s not rocket science Something not very complicated.
Example : I don’t understand why there are so many mistakes in this report. It’s not rocket science!
17. To think outside the box To think unconventionally, creatively and explore new non-conformist ideas.
Example: If you want to succeed in this highly competitive economic environment, you have to think outside
of the box to gain an edge on your rivals.
18. Touch base
To touch base with someone means that you will contact them.
Example: I will finish the project I am currently working on and then we can touch base later in the week.
19. In a nutshell
To summarise something into as few words as possible, as small as a nutshell.
Example: This weeks business meeting was, in a nutshell, extremely productive and informative.
20. Back to square one
To start something from the very beginning, unfortunately, it can also mean that no progress has been made on your current project, therefore you are back to square one.
Example: We tried our best to find the right sources and materials for the project, but unfortunately we couldn't find anything relevant, so now we are back to square one.
21. Bring to the table
To provide benefit or negotiation in some way. Whether you bring (an offer or negotiation) to the table or you provide skills or attributes that can benefit the situation or company in some way.
Example: She brings a selection of strong analytical skills to the table.
**************
ORDERS
AUDIO 31
1
Supplier: Can I help you?
Customer: Yes, I’m calling because you've sent me 20 colour ink cartridges instead of 20 black ones.
Supplier : I see. Can you give me your order number, please?
Customer Yes, it’s WJ92745. Supplier: Yes, I’m very sorry about that. I’ll
send somebody round tomorrow with the black cartridges. Is that OK?
Customer Yes, thank you.
2
Customer :Hello. I’m calling because there is a mistake with my invoice. It says $1,000
instead of 100.
Supplier: Oh right. Can you give me the number on the invoice?
Customer It’s RF007/24.
Supplier: Yes, it’s our mistake. I’m terribly sorry. I'll send you a new invoice.
Customer Thank you.
3
Supplier:Optimum Office Supplies. How can I help you?
Customer: Hello. I’m calling because I ordered some paper a week ago and it still hasn't arrived.
Supplier: That is a problem. When was the delivery date?
Customer: Yesterday morning.
************
to purchase __ to buy
in stock— ready to sell
goods __ things you buy or sell
to process __ to deal with, e.g. an order
an order = a request for something to be sent
to quote __ to say how much something will cost
a shipment __— goods which are being transported
an enquiry __ a question
an invoice __ a document you must pay
a delivery __ transporting products to a customer
..................
quote - a price
pay -an invoice
place - an order
check__ a product is in stock
deliver_ goods
process- an order
track - a shipment
make - a delivery
make - an enquiry
************
39 Formal
Fenola Hello. Is that Michael Wan?
Michael Speaking.
Fenola Hello, Michael. It’s Fenola Young here from GW Architects.
Michael Hello, Fenola. How can I help you?
Fenola I'd like to meet you some time next week to discuss our ideas for the new
software application.
Michael Yes, of course. When are you available?
Fenola Does Tuesday morning suit you?
Michael I’m afraid I’m not available on Tuesday. Shall we say Wednesday at 11
instead?
Fenola Yes, that suits me. Thank you so much.
Michael Thank you. So that’s Wednesday at 11,then,
-------------
40 Informal
Fenola Hi. Sven?
Sven Hi, Fenola. How’s it going?
Fenola Not too bad. Listen. Can we meet for lunch next week?
Sven Great idea. When are you free?
Fenola Is Tuesday OK for you?
Sven Sorry, I can’t make it on Tuesday. How about Thursday at 12.30 instead?
Fenola Sounds good. Same place as usual?
Sven Yes. Same place at 12.30. See you then.
Fenola See you on Thursday. Bye.
********
1-Her own full name
2- the name of her company
3- the name of the person she is meeting
4 - the time of the appointment
*************
Receptionist Good morning. Can I help you?
Customer Yes. Hello. My name’s Helen Edwards and I’m from Citibank. I have an appointment with Susana Kechel at 11
o'clock.
Receptionist OK, I'll call Susana Kechel and tell her you're here. Could you tell me your name again, please?
Customer Yes, it’s Helen Edwards.
Customer Do I need to sign in?
Receptionist Yes. Can you just sign here, please?
Customer Of course.
Receptionist Thank you. And here’s your security pass.
Customer Thank you very much.
Receptionist Thank you. Would you like to take a seat while you're waiting?
Customer Yes. Thanks.
Receptionist Susana will come and meet you in about five minutes.
*****************
Which Topics is it normal to talk about in your country when you meet someone from abroad for the first time?
the journey
interests
the visitor’s country
holidays
Asking about a journey
How was your journey?
Did you have a good flight?
Was the flight delayed?
Asking about experiences
Is this your first time in Tokyo?
Have you been here before?
Did you see the match last night?
Asking about habits
Do you ever go skiing?
Do you ever go Sailing?
Do you often go abroad on business?
When do you usually take your holiday?
Asking about opinions / interests
What kind of music do you like?
What did you think of it?
What kind of food do you like?
Are you interested in tennis?
Are you interested in architecture?
When do you usually take your holiday?
--------------
SELLING
to enter__ a new market
to attract __ new customers
to launch __ an advertising campaign - start an activity
to expand __ your range of products or services
to offer __ a discount - a lower price
to promote __ the company's name
to boost - sales
to improve : your range products or services / market share
Make someone like something _ Attract
Start selling in - to enter
Give publicity to - to promote
Increase - To boost
start an activity- to launch
Your sales in com
parison with your competitors - market share
Increase- to boost - improve - to expand
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