That Japanese Phrase That Secretly Means "No"

Turns out when your boss says "I'll consider it," they've probably already decided the answer is no.

I spent my first year in Japan thinking 「検討します」(kentō shimasu) was a positive sign. I was so wrong.

This is "kūki wo yomu" (空気を読む) culture — sensing the mood to avoid a direct, harsh "no."

Like when a meeting goes dead silent after a suggestion. That silence IS the "no."

Someone will then say 「一旦持ち帰って検討しましょうか」(ittan mochikaette kentō shimashou ka) to let everyone off the hook.

This is the real Japanese lesson they don't teach you in school. ✍️