Hello everyone. Today, I’m going to talk about a unique aspect of Japanese culture: the use of honorific language, or “keigo.” While it’s used daily in Japan, it can be quite confusing for foreigners.

Keigo is a special way of speaking that shows respect to others. It is divided into three main types: respectful language (sonkeigo), humble language (kenjougo), and polite language (teineigo). Let’s look at each of these.

Respectful language (sonkeigo)

First, respectful language. Sonkeigo elevates the actions or existence of others. For example, “iku” (to go) becomes “irassharu.” It is particularly important in business settings, used with bosses or customers.

Humble language (kenjougo)

Next, humble language. Kenjougo lowers one’s own actions to elevate the other person. “Iku” in humble language becomes “mairu.” By humbling oneself, you show respect to the other person.

Polite language (teineigo)

Finally, polite language. Teineigo involves adding “desu” or “masu” to the end of sentences to make them polite. This is commonly used in everyday conversation and is the most familiar form of keigo.

So why is keigo so important in Japan? It’s because Japanese society places great emphasis on hierarchical relationships and social harmony. Using keigo shows respect and helps maintain smooth communication.

For instance, saying “otsukaresama desu” to a colleague acknowledges their hard work. When a shop clerk says “irasshaimase,” they are warmly welcoming customers.

Thus, keigo is more than just a way of speaking; it’s a vital tool for building and maintaining relationships. When visiting Japan, understanding and using even a bit of keigo can enrich your interactions with locals.