敬語
keigo
keigo is the Japanese term for the system of honorific speech used to show politeness and social hierarchy.
keigo refers to the system of honorific speech used in Japanese to show politeness and social hierarchy.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 敬 (respect) and 語 (language/speech).
How does it change in a sentence?
kenjōgo is the term for Humble Verbs used when referring to oneself or one's in-group in a modest manner and teineigo is the term for the Polite Form used when addressing someone of equal or slightly higher status.
How do you pronounce it?
keigo
When do people say it?
Using keigo is essential in Japanese professional settings and when interacting with superiors or strangers to maintain social harmony and show respect.
Did you know?
- The concept of keigo is deeply tied to the Japanese concept of 'uchi-soto', or 'inside-outside'. When speaking to a stranger about your boss, you actually use humble forms to lower your boss's status relative to the outsider.
- In Japanese, using too much keigo can actually be a sign of disrespect. If a person uses overly formal language toward a close colleague, it can create an 'ice wall' that signals you are intentionally distancing yourself from them.
- Mistakes in keigo are so significant that major Japanese corporations and airlines have had to issue formal apologies to customers for using incorrect honorifics in marketing or service.
Examples in context
- お読みになりますTo read (honorific)
- お伺いしますTo go (humble)
- 敬語は難しいです。Keigo wa muzukashii desu.Honorific speech is difficult.
- 正しい敬語を使いたい。Tadashii keigo o tsukaitai.I want to use correct honorifics.
- ビジネスでは敬語が必要です。Bijinesu de wa keigo ga hitsuyou desu.Honorifics are necessary in business.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about their Japanese language studies.
- 美咲 Misaki敬語を勉強していますか？Keigo o benkyou shite imasu ka?Are you studying honorific speech?
- 健太 Kentaはい、毎日練習しています。Hai, mainichi renshuu shite imasu.Yes, I am practicing every day.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんは丁寧ですね。Kenta-san wa teinei desu ne.You are very polite, Kenta.
- 健太 Kenta敬語をマスターしたいです。Keigo o masutaa shitai desu.I want to master honorific speech.
