Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “polite” in Japanese! Politeness is an essential aspect of Japanese culture, and understanding the various ways to express politeness is crucial when engaging in conversations or interactions. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to convey politeness, and we’ll include tips, examples, and even touch on regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Politeness
Formal politeness is used in situations where respect and deference are required. It’s important to note that formal language is generally employed when addressing someone older or of higher social status. Here are some key phrases and expressions:
Greetings:
- Kon’nichiwa – Hello (used during the day)
- Konbanwa – Good evening (used in the evening)
- Ohayō gozaimasu – Good morning
Thanking:
- Arigatō gozaimasu – Thank you (formal)
- Domo arigatō gozaimashita – Thank you very much (formal)
Apologizing:
- Gomennasai – I’m sorry (formal)
- Mōshiwake gozaimasen – I apologize (formal)
Informal Politeness
Informal politeness is used in casual settings or with friends and family members. It’s still essential to maintain a level of politeness even in informal situations. Here are some examples of phrases and expressions:
Greetings:
- Konnichiwa – Hello (casual)
- Konbanwa – Good evening (casual)
- Ohayō – Good morning (casual)
Thanking:
- Arigatō – Thank you (informal)
- Domo arigatō – Thanks a lot (informal)
Apologizing:
- Gomen – Sorry (informal)
- Mōshi wake nai – My apologies (informal)
Politeness Variations across Japan
While the basics of politeness remain consistent throughout Japan, there are some regional variations worth mentioning. These variations can add nuances to the level of politeness, depending on the region:
Kansai Dialect (Osaka, Kyoto, and surrounding areas):
In Kansai, the phrase 「お邪魔します」 (O-jama shimasu) is often used when entering someone’s home or shop. It expresses politeness and acknowledges that you are intruding on someone’s space.
Tohoku Dialect (Northern Japan):
In the Tohoku region, it’s common to use the phrase 「お疲れさまです」 (O-tsukare-sama desu) to express gratitude or acknowledge someone’s hard work. It’s used in both formal and informal situations.
Kanto Dialect (Tokyo and surrounding areas):
While Kanto generally follows standard Japanese politeness, there is a subtle difference when thanking someone. Instead of saying 「ありがとうございます」 (Arigatō gozaimasu), people often shorten it to 「ありがとう」 (Arigatō) in casual settings.
Tips for Conveying Politeness
Here are some general tips to remember when trying to convey politeness in Japanese:
- Use honorifics: Japanese has several honorific suffixes such as -san, -sama, -sensei, and -dono. These suffixes are added to names when addressing someone to show respect.
- Use keigo: Keigo is polite speech used to address superiors or elders. It includes sonkeigo (respectful language) and kenjōgo (humble language).
- Bow when appropriate: Bowing is an important gesture that demonstrates respect. The depth of the bow can vary depending on the level of politeness required.
- Pay attention to body language: Japanese culture places emphasis on non-verbal cues, so maintaining proper posture, avoiding excessive gestures, and maintaining eye contact are essential for conveying politeness.
Remember, practicing and being aware of cultural nuances is key to mastering politeness in Japanese. It’s a journey that requires time and effort, but the rewards of effective communication and building strong relationships make it worthwhile. So go ahead and explore the rich world of Japanese politeness!
