Three Small Phrases That Change Everywhere You Go

A manager in New York City asks a colleague overseas, “Can you have this to me by Friday?”

“Yes,” comes the reply.

Friday comes and goes, and the manager doesn’t receive the work. What happened? Nobody lied. The two people simply implied different meaning from the same word.

Most assignees prepare for the big differences: housing, schools, visas. It’s these phrases in business, yes, on time, and maybe, that can cause unexpected confusion once they land.

What “yes” can mean

In Japan, a “yes” (hai) often means “I hear you,” not “I agree,” even if accompanied by frequent nods. Disagreement is usually signaled gently: “that may be difficult,” a long pause, or “we will consider it.” Directly saying iie (no) is generally considered abrasive, confrontational, or impolite in Japanese culture. Listening for what isn’t said matters as much as hearing what is.

In many business settings in India, saying no outright can feel impolite, so a “yes” may mean “I’ll try” or “I want to keep this relationship smooth.” Asking, “What would you need from me to make Friday possible?” tends to get a more honest answer than “Can you do it?”

What “on time” can mean

In Germany, punctuality (pünktlichkeit) signals respect and reliability. “On time” often means a few minutes early, and arriving late can damage trust before the meeting starts.

In Turkey, the unpredictability of traffic and the importance of taking time for personal relationships even when they interrupt a set schedule means people are generally quite forgiving of lateness. While it is best for businesspeople to be punctual, “on time” has quite a bit of leeway.

What “maybe” can mean

In the UK, polite phrases like “that’s an interesting idea” or “I’ll bear that in mind” can be a gentle way of saying no, and “with the greatest respect” often comes right before a disagreement.

Across the Arabian Gulf, inshallah (“God willing”) is often a sincere expression of humility about the future. Depending on tone and circumstances, though, it can also be a polite way of not committing. Context is everything.

Three things that help anywhere:

1. Ask open questions – Try “What would make this timeline work?” instead of a yes-or-no question.
2. Confirm in writing – Send a friendly recap that starts with “Just to make sure we’re aligned,” to help catch misunderstandings without making anyone feel challenged.
3. Build in a buffer – Assume the first timeline is a starting point, not a promise.

These are tendencies, not rules. Every person, company, and industry is different. But observing the patterns early on turns confusion into comprehension, and that can be the difference between a frustrating first month and a confident start.

Preparing employees for the unwritten rules of business abroad? Our destination guides cover business etiquette and protocol for over 240+ locations.