Introduction to Keigo: The Heart of Japanese Politeness
Keigo (敬語), or "respect language," is an essential part of Japanese communication used to show respect, humility, and social awareness. It reflects the relationship between the speaker, the listener, and the people being discussed. Mastering keigo is crucial for navigating many social and professional situations in Japan. It is broadly divided into three main categories: Teineigo (polite language), Sonkeigo (honorific language), and Kenjōgo (humble language).
The Three Levels of Keigo
Each type of keigo serves a different purpose. Think of them as tools for shifting perspective: are you elevating the other person, lowering yourself, or simply being politely neutral?
丁寧語 (Teineigo) - Polite Language
Teineigo is the most common and fundamental form of politeness, often considered the baseline for polite conversation. It is used to show general courtesy to the listener, regardless of their status. The most recognizable feature of Teineigo is the use of 「です」(desu) and 「ます」(masu) at the end of verbs and sentences.
私は学生です。 Watashi wa gakusei desu. I am a student.
本を読みます。 Hon o yomimasu. I read a book.
Tip: Teineigo is safe to use in almost any situation with people you don't know well. It's the standard for public announcements, service industry interactions, and news broadcasts.
尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) - Honorific Language
Sonkeigo is used to show respect by elevating the actions or status of the person you are talking about (usually someone other than yourself). You use it when describing the actions of a superior, a customer, or someone you hold in high esteem. It honors the other person.
社長はもうお帰りになりました。 Shachō wa mō o-kaeri ni narimashita. The president has already gone home. (honorific)
先生がおっしゃいました。 Sensei ga osshaimashita. The teacher said. (honorific of 言う iu)
Warning: Never use Sonkeigo to describe your own actions. Using honorifics for yourself is seen as extremely arrogant.
謙譲語 (Kenjōgo) - Humble Language
Kenjōgo is the opposite of Sonkeigo. It is used to lower yourself or your in-group (e.g., your company, family) in relation to the person you are talking to. By humbling your own actions, you indirectly show respect to the listener. You use it when describing your own actions to a superior or customer.
明日伺います。 Ashita ukagaimasu. I will visit you tomorrow. (humble of 行く iku)
私が申します。 Watashi ga mōshimasu. I am the one who says [this]. (humble of 言う iu)
Tip: A good rule of thumb: Use Kenjōgo when your action is directed toward the respected person (e.g., you give something to them, you go to see them).
Common Keigo Transformations
Many common verbs have special words or forms for Sonkeigo and Kenjōgo. Here is a table of some essential transformations.
| Standard Japanese | 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) | 謙譲語 (Kenjōgo) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 行く (iku) | いらっしゃる (irassharu) おいでになる (oide ni naru) |
参る (mairu) 伺う (ukagau) |
to go |
| 来る (kuru) | いらっしゃる (irassharu) お見えになる (omie ni naru) |
参る (mairu) | to come |
| 言う (iu) | おっしゃる (ossharu) | 申す (mōsu) | to say |
| する (suru) | なさる (nasaru) | いたす (itasu) | to do |
| 見る (miru) | ご覧になる (goran ni naru) | 拝見する (haiken suru) | to see/look |
| 食べる (taberu) 飲む (nomu) |
召し上がる (meshiagaru) | いただく (itadaku) | to eat/drink |
| 知っている (shitte iru) | ご存知です (gozonji desu) | 存じております (zonjite orimasu) | to know |
| くれる (kureru) | くださる (kudasaru) | - | to give (me) |
Essential Keigo Expressions for Daily Life
Here are some of the most useful keigo phrases you will encounter and should learn to use.
いらっしゃいませ。 Irasshaimase. Welcome. (Honorific "please come")
かしこまりました。 Kashikomarimashita. Certainly. / Understood. (Humble)
お待たせいたしました。 O-matase itashimashita. Thank you for waiting. (Humble - "I have made you wait")
恐れ入ります。 Osoreirimasu. Thank you. / I'm sorry to trouble you. (Humble)
When to Use Each Type
- Teineigo (Polite): Default mode for conversations with acquaintances, colleagues of similar rank, and in public. Safe and neutral.
- Sonkeigo (Honorific): Use when talking about customers, clients, bosses, teachers, or anyone whose status is higher than yours or the listener's.
- Kenjōgo (Humble): Use when talking about your own actions to customers, clients, bosses, or teachers. It shows that you are acting with them in mind.
In a typical customer service scenario, a staff member would use Sonkeigo to describe the customer's actions ("What will you have?") and Kenjōgo to describe their own ("I will bring it now").
Practice
Identify the Keigo: Is the following sentence an example of Teineigo, Sonkeigo, or Kenjōgo?
- 部長、お客様がお見えになりました。 (Buchō, o-kyakusama ga o-mie ni narimashita.)
- 資料を拝見いたしました。 (Shiryō o haiken itashimashita.)
- コーヒーを飲みます。 (Kōhī o nomimasu.)
Convert to Keigo: Convert this standard sentence into an appropriate keigo form for speaking to a customer. "I will check it now." (Standard: 今確認します。 Ima kakunin shimasu.)
Summary and Key Takeaways
- Keigo is not optional in many formal Japanese settings; it's a core part of respectful communication.
- Teineigo (です・ます) is your general polite baseline.
- Sonkeigo elevates others (their actions/status).
- Kenjōgo humbles yourself (your own actions).
- Memorize the most common verb transformations (like 行く → いらっしゃる / 参る).
- When in doubt in a professional setting, leaning towards Kenjōgo for yourself and Sonkeigo for the other person is usually the safest and most respectful approach.
Start by mastering Teineigo, then gradually incorporate the most essential Sonkeigo and Kenjōgo expressions into your active vocabulary. Listening to how native speakers use keigo in stores, offices, and on TV is one of the best ways to learn its natural flow.