Giving & choosing susumu / shin
What to write in a leaving card for a colleague: thoughtful, short examples
Write a leaving-card message with one specific thank-you and a wish that fits what you know. Use these examples for a close colleague, a team card or an uncertain next step.
Wear this characterThe short answer
A useful leaving-card message has three parts: their name, something you appreciated, and a brief wish. “Sam, thank you for making time for my questions when I joined. I hope the next few months bring you good things.” You do not need a grand career prediction. Two sincere sentences often give the recipient more to recognise than a paragraph of compliments that could describe anyone.
A closer look
Match the message to the relationship you actually have
If you worked closely together, name a small scene: the presentation you rescued together, the patient explanation, the lunch that made a difficult day easier. In a public team card, choose a memory everyone involved would be comfortable sharing. Keep private information, jokes about management and promises made on someone else’s behalf out of it. A joke only works if the person leaving will enjoy it too.
If you barely know the person, be warmly straightforward: “I’m glad we had the chance to work together. All the best for what comes next.” When you do not know why they are leaving, avoid “on to bigger and better things” or assumptions about a dream job. You can wish someone well without describing a departure as happy, voluntary or a promotion. If they have shared their next role, mention it without turning the message into advice.
See it in words
- 進む
- susumuTo move forward
- 進める
- susumeruTo move something forward
- 前進
- zenshinForward movement
A meaning to make your own
A thought to give
A card can be the complete gift. If you add clothing, ask about size and shape discreetly or choose together after the farewell. Check the actual delivery estimate before promising to hand it over on their final day. A thoughtful note is still worthwhile if the garment arrives later.
Make a gift cardOne more question
What can I write if I do not know the colleague well?
Use a short, honest message such as “It was a pleasure working with you. Wishing you all the best for what comes next.” Add a specific thank-you only if you have one. You do not need to invent a close friendship to be kind.
A character to carry with you 進
If the colleague enjoys Japanese calligraphy, 進 can be a personal link to moving forward. It does not literally say “good luck in your new job.” Explain the connection in your note, and let them choose a garment they will use. The Advance panel below shows the available colours and fits for the selected destination.
Wear this character
