Category: Business English
-
Freemium
Word of the Day: Freemium Freemium is a popular business model used by many digital companies today. The word freemium is a portmanteau of “free” and “premium.” In this model, a company offers a basic product or service for free, but users must pay for advanced features or extra content. Freemium is widely used in…
-
Race to the bottom
Phrase: Race to the bottom A race to the bottom happens when companies, countries, or organizations try to win more business by lowering their standards, prices, or quality. They hope to attract more customers or investments, but this kind of competition usually ends up hurting everyone. This is what had been happening in Japan for…
-
Self-made man
WotD: Self-made man A self-made man is someone who attains success through their own effort and determination, rather than by inheriting money or relying on family connections. This term describes people, not just men, who build their own success by learning, working hard, and staying persistent, even when things get tough. They are the epitome…
-
Choke point
WotD: Choke point A choke point is a strategic point or geographic location that significantly restricts movement or access. In military terms, choke points are crucial because they can control the flow of resources and troops. For Japan, which is an island nation, several choke points become vital in times of war. Japan’s geographical position…
-
Stagflation
Word of the Day: Stagflation Today, we are going to get into some economic terminology. Let’s talk about stagflation. Stagflation is an economic condition characterized by three main factors: stagnant economic growth, high unemployment, and high inflation. This unusual combination creates challenges for governments and policymakers, as traditional methods to combat inflation can worsen unemployment…
-
Fake it until you make it
Phrase: Fake it until you make it Fake it until you make it means acting confidently and capably, even if you don’t feel that way inside. By pretending to have certain qualities, you might start to develop them over time. This approach can help people overcome self-doubt and achieve their goals. Faking it until you…
-
Growth Mindset
WotD: Growth Mindset A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This idea, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, contrasts with a fixed mindset, where individuals believe their talents are innate and unchangeable. Developing a growth mindset is essential for personal and academic success. To…
-
Fixed mindset
WotD: Fixed mindset A fixed mindset is a belief that our abilities and intelligence are static and cannot change. People with a fixed mindset think that talent is everything. They often avoid challenges because they fear failure, feeling it reflects poorly on their abilities. This way of thinking can be harmful because it limits potential…
-
Nadir
Word of the Day: Nadir It happens to everyone. There is always a time when we feel we have reached a nadir. When we experience a nadir, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. However, this time of struggle can also spark a powerful motivation for change and growth. The term nadir refers to the lowest…
-
Unicorn
Word of the Day: Unicorn Operating in the business world is not all rainbows and unicorns. It’s even harder in Japan. In fact, in Japan, you have a better chance of finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow than you do of finding a unicorn. A unicorn is a startup company…
