Embarrassing Stories: The 'My Pace' Misunderstanding

Saturday Embarrassing Stories

The 'My Pace' Misunderstanding

Wasei-Eigo • Business English • Cross-Cultural Communication

"I will do it my pace."

→ "I'll do it at my own pace."

Today, let's talk about a common misunderstanding that happens with a very popular Japanese phrase. In Japan, saying someone is 'my pace' is often a neutral or even positive description for someone who is calm and doesn't get flustered. However, in English, this phrase can have a negative connotation, which can cause some awkward moments! Let's explore why this happens and how you can express your unique work style more naturally.

Choose your level and enjoy today's story:

Level: Beginner (A2)

Imagine you're talking to your English teacher, Sarah, about a big homework assignment. You feel confident you can do it, but you want to do it carefully. You tell her:

They said: "This is a lot of homework. I will do it my pace."

...Uh oh. Sarah smiles, but she seems a little confused. She might be thinking, 'Does this student plan to do it slowly, or maybe not at all?' To her, it sounds a bit like you are not taking the homework seriously.

In this simple case, 'my pace' sounds like you will do it whenever you feel like it. A more natural and positive way to say this is, "I'll work on it at my own pace," or "I'll take my time to do it well."

Level: Intermediate (B1)

Now, let's move to a business setting. You're a new employee, and your manager gives you your first big project. You want to show that you are capable and independent, so you say:

They said: ""Don't worry about this project, boss. I'm a 'my pace' person, so I will finish it.""

...Uh oh. Your manager raises an eyebrow. He was hoping for a real go-getter who would be an active team player. Your comment makes him worry that you might work too slowly or not communicate with the team. He thinks you might be difficult to manage.

To show you are a reliable self-starter, you could say: "I work very effectively on my own, and I'm confident I can complete this project successfully. I'll be sure to ask if I have any questions."

Level: Advanced (C1)

Finally, a high-stakes situation. You are leading a project with international colleagues. The deadline is tight. To reassure everyone, you announce in a meeting:

They stated: ""I know the schedule is tight, but our sub-team will just do it 'my pace' and deliver quality.""

...Uh oh. A silence falls over the room. Your colleagues exchange worried glances. They hear this and think your team might be uncooperative and ignore the group's schedule. They now doubt you can stick to a timeline.

To show leadership and build trust, a more polished phrase would be: "Our team values autonomy and works very efficiently. We'll manage our own workflow to meet the deadline without compromising on quality. I'll keep someone in the loop with our progress reports."

What's the problem?

The problem is that 'my pace' in English implies a disregard for an external schedule, timeline, or other people. It suggests you are doing things completely on your own terms, which can sound selfish, lazy, or stubborn in a collaborative environment. The Japanese meaning of being calm, steady, and independent doesn't translate directly. Instead, it's better to use more specific phrases that describe your work style positively.

How do I say it more naturally?

Here are some useful phrases to talk about your work style without causing confusion. Instead of saying 'my pace,' try using these more specific and natural expressions to communicate clearly.

Expressing Independence

• “I work best on my own.” (Clear and direct. Good for explaining your preference.)

• “I'm a self-starter.” (A very positive term that shows you take initiative.)

• “I'm comfortable taking the lead on this.” (Shows confidence and willingness to be responsible.)

• “I'm happy to manage this part of the project.” (A professional way to say you'll handle it independently.)

Expressing a Collaborative Style

• “I enjoy bouncing ideas off others.” (Shows you value teamwork and communication.)

• “I'm a real team player.” (A classic and positive phrase for interviews and self-evaluations.)

• “I thrive in a collaborative environment.” (A strong way to express that you love working with others.)

• “I think we'll get better results if we work together.” (Use this to suggest teamwork for a specific task.)

Talking About Speed and Deadlines

• “I'll work at my own pace, but I'll meet the deadline.” (This is the correct way to use the 'pace' concept.)

• “I work steadily and efficiently.” (Focuses on the positive qualities of your work speed.)

• “What's the timeline we're working with?” (Shows you are focused on the schedule from the start.)

• “I'll make sure to stick to the schedule.” (A clear and reassuring promise to your team or boss.)

Mini-dialogues:

At the Coffee Shop

A: “Are you ready to order? The line is moving pretty fast.”

B: “Oh, sorry. I'm a bit 'my pace' today.”

A: “You mean you're taking your time? The barista looks a little impatient.”

B: “Oh, is he? I just meant I'm feeling relaxed and not in a hurry.”

A: “I see. In English, saying 'my pace' can sometimes sound a bit slow or inconsiderate.”

B: “That's a good tip! Okay, I'll have a latte, please.”

Project Kick-off Meeting

A: “So, we all agree on the project plan and the deadlines?”

B: “Yes, but my part is quite creative. I'll need to do it 'my pace'.”

A: “When you say 'my pace,' are you anticipating a delay?”

B: “No, not at all! I just mean I work best independently without too much oversight.”

A: “Ah, I understand. As long as you can stick to a timeline, that's perfectly fine.”

B: “Of course. I'm a good self-starter, so you can count on me.”

Discussing a New Team Member

A: “What's your impression of Haruki, the new analyst?”

B: “He's very sharp, but he mentioned he's a 'my pace' kind of person.”

A: “That's a bit worrying. This department is fast-moving; we need a real go-getter.”

B: “I think it might be a language misunderstanding. He seems to value autonomy but is very responsible.”

A: “Let's monitor his progress on the first report. We can't afford any surprises.”

B: “Agreed. I'll keep someone in the loop and check in with him regularly.”

Planning a Weekend Trip

A: “I've made a full schedule for our camping trip! We leave at 7 AM sharp.”

B: “Wow, that's detailed. To be honest, I prefer to go 'my pace' on vacation.”

A: “Does that mean you want to do things separately? I thought we were going together.”

B: “No, not at all! I just mean I'd rather not have a strict plan. Let's be more spontaneous.”

A: “Okay, I get it. You want to do things on your own terms, more or less.”

B: “Exactly! Let's just have a destination and see what happens.”

Vocabulary & Useful Expressions:

• misunderstanding:

A failure to understand something correctly.

• connotation:

An idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.

• uncooperative:

Not willing to work with others or follow instructions.

• go-getter:

An energetic and determined person who is proactive and likely to succeed.

• self-starter:

A person who can work well independently and take initiative without needing supervision.

• team player:

A person who works well as a member of a team or group.

• keep someone in the loop:

To keep someone informed about the progress of a situation or project.

• on your own terms:

In the way that you want to, according to your own rules, without being influenced by others.

• stick to a timeline:

To follow a schedule or plan without deviation or delay.

• autonomy:

The ability to make your own decisions and work independently without being controlled by anyone else.

Challenge Corner

Which expression would you use in each situation? Talk about the following:

Your new boss asks about your work style in your first one-on-one meeting. Explain that you are independent and efficient without using the phrase 'my pace'.
You are working on a group project. One friend is very worried about the deadline. Reassure them you will finish your part on time, explaining you prefer to work 'at your own pace' correctly.
A colleague from another country seems stressed. They say, 'I'm worried about Sato-san, he said he's 'my pace' with his report.' Gently explain the Japanese connotation of the phrase and reassure your colleague that Sato-san is likely very reliable and just meant he works steadily.

What is a better way of saying this?

“For this important task, I will do it my pace, so please don't worry.”

Why does this sound unnatural?

(Hint: This sentence might make your boss or client feel nervous because it sounds like you might ignore the schedule. How can you sound more responsible, professional, and reassuring? Focus on your ability to work independently while still respecting deadlines and teamwork.)

Rewrite it using today's vocabulary:

Rewrite the sentence for your manager to show you are a reliable team player who will meet expectations.
Rewrite the sentence for a new client to build their trust and confidence in your professionalism and ability to deliver on time.

Want feedback on your English?

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