報告をする

You combine the noun houkoku with the verb suru. In a professional setting, use houkoku o shimasu. With your close friends, houkoku suru works perfectly. You can report about a meeting or a date. Just add the topic before the phrase using no. For example, tesuto no houkoku means a report about a test. It is a very flexible and handy tool.

Use it when a task is finished. Use it when you have news to share. It is perfect for the office after a client call. You should use it at home after a doctor's visit. Even texting a friend about a blind date fits here. It shows you are responsible and communicative. People appreciate being kept in the loop. It builds trust in your relationships.

Do not use it for simple greetings. Saying 'hello' is not a houkoku. Avoid it for random gossip that has no purpose. It implies there was a specific goal or event. If you are just chatting about the weather, skip it. Do not use it if the information is top secret. Unless, of course, you are a spy reporting back! Also, do not use it for things you haven't started yet.

Japan loves the 'Ho-Ren-So' rule in the workplace. This stands for houkoku (report), renraku (contact), and soudan (consult). It is the golden rule of Japanese teamwork. Interestingly, 'Horenso' also means 'spinach' in Japanese. So, reporting is like the 'spinach' that makes a company strong. It prevents small mistakes from becoming huge disasters. It is deeply rooted in the culture of harmony.

You will often hear houkoku ga arimasu. This means 'I have a report for you.' In very formal cases, use houkoku sasete itadakimasu. This sounds very polite and humble. If you want to ask for an update, say houkoku shite ne. This is a friendly way to say 'let me know.' You might also see kekka houkoku for 'result report.'