The Role of Keigo (Honorific Speech) in Japanese Society
The Japanese language is known for its complex system of politeness and honorific speech, known as Keigo (敬語). Keigo plays an essential role in daily interactions, showing respect, humility, and social hierarchy. Whether in business, customer service, or social settings, using the right Keigo is crucial for effective communication in Japan.
The Role of Keigo in Japanese Society
Keigo (敬語), or the system of polite language in Japanese, is not just a linguistic tool but a cornerstone of Japanese culture. The use of Keigo reflects the deep respect, social hierarchy, and values embedded within Japanese society. It plays a significant role in shaping interpersonal interactions across various social settings, from business environments to casual encounters. The manner in which one uses Keigo conveys not just politeness but also the speaker's understanding of their position relative to others, the context of the conversation, and the nature of their relationship with the listener.
What is Keigo?
Keigo (敬語) refers to polite and honorific language in Japanese. It is used to:
Show respect to superiors and customers
Express humility when talking about oneself
Maintain social harmony (和 – Wa)
There are three main types of Keigo:
Sonkeigo (尊敬語) – Respectful Language
Kenjougo (謙譲語) – Humble Language
Teineigo (丁寧語) – Polite Language
Sonkeigo (尊敬語) – Respectful Language
Sonkeigo is used when talking about someone superior, such as a boss, customer, or teacher.
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| Normal Verb | Sonkeigo (Respectful) | Meaning |
| 言う (Iu) | おっしゃる (Ossharu) | To say |
| 行く (Iku) | いらっしゃる (Irassharu) | To go |
| する (Suru) | なさる (Nasaru) | To do |
| 食べる (Taberu) | 召し上がる (Meshiagaru) | To eat |
Used when referring to someone else’s actions (not your own).
Example: 社長はオフィスにいらっしゃいます。 (Shachou wa ofisu ni irasshaimasu.)
→ “The company president is in the office.”
Kenjougo (謙譲語) – Humble Language
Kenjougo is used when talking about your own actions, to show humility.
| Normal Verb | Kenjougo (Humble) | Meaning |
| 言う (Iu) | 申す (Mōsu) / 申し上げる (Mōshiageru) | To say |
| 行く (Iku) | 参る (Mairu) | To go |
| する (Suru) | いたす (Itasu) | To do |
| 食べる (Taberu) | いただく (Itadaku) | To eat |
Used when referring to your own actions in formal situations.
Example: 私がご説明いたします。 (Watashi ga go-setsumei itashimasu.)
→ “I will humbly explain it.
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Teineigo (丁寧語) – Polite Language
Teineigo is the general polite language used in most daily conversations and public settings.
Uses -ます (-masu) and -です (-desu) forms.
Does not show hierarchy, only politeness.
Example:
- Casual: 今何してる？ (Ima nani shiteru?) → “What are you doing now?”
- Polite: 今何をしていますか？ (Ima nani o shiteimasu ka?)
Where is Keigo Used in Japanese Society?
Keigo is widely used in formal and professional settings in Japan:
1. Business & Workplace (ビジネス日本語 – Business Japanese)
- Employees use Kenjougo (humble speech) for themselves and Sonkeigo (respectful speech) for clients.
- Example:
- お客様がいらっしゃいました (Okyakusama ga irasshaimashita) → "The customer has arrived."
- 私が対応いたします (Watashi ga taiou itashimasu) → "I will humbly assist."
- お客様がいらっしゃいました (Okyakusama ga irasshaimashita) → "The customer has arrived."
2. Customer Service (接客 – Sekkyaku)
- Staff always use Keigo when addressing customers.
- Example:
- いらっしゃいませ！ (Irasshaimase!) → “Welcome!”
- お待たせいたしました。 (Omatase itashimashita.) → "Thank you for waiting."
- いらっしゃいませ！ (Irasshaimase!) → “Welcome!”
3. Formal Writing & Emails (ビジネスメール – Business Email)
- Written communication in Japan is very polite and indirect.
- Example:
- ご返信いただけますでしょうか？ (Go-henshin itadakemasu deshou ka?) → “Could you kindly reply?”
- ご返信いただけますでしょうか？ (Go-henshin itadakemasu deshou ka?) → “Could you kindly reply?”
4. Official Announcements & Media
- TV news, public announcements, and official statements use Keigo for professionalism.
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Keigo is an essential part of Japanese culture, and while it might seem challenging at first, with the right guidance and practice, you can master it. Whether you’re looking to excel in a Japanese-speaking environment, enhance your business communication, or explore Japan’s rich cultural nuances, mastering Keigo is a significant step toward fluency.
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Read More:- The Role of Keigo (Honorific Speech)
Conclusion
Mastering Keigo in Japanese is more than just a language skill—it's a reflection of understanding Japanese culture and social dynamics. Whether you're engaging in business, customer service, or formal communication, the ability to navigate different levels of politeness and humility will enhance your relationships and effectiveness in Japanese-speaking environments.
While learning Keigo can seem daunting, it's an achievable goal with the right approach and practice. By familiarizing yourself with the three main forms of Keigo—Sonkeigo, Kenjougo, and Teineigo—you'll be better equipped to show respect and express humility in any situation.
At TLS – The Japanese Language School, we offer tailored courses to help you not only master Keigo but also improve your overall Japanese language proficiency. Our expert instructors provide comprehensive lessons that integrate cultural nuances and practical language skills. Whether you're aiming to improve your Japanese for business or travel, mastering Keigo will make a significant difference in how you communicate effectively and respectfully.
FAQs
1. Do Japanese people always use Keigo?
No. Keigo is mainly used in formal situations, while friends and family use casual speech.
2. Is it rude not to use Keigo?
It depends! In casual settings, no—but in business or professional situations, yes, it is expected.
3. How can I practice Keigo as a Japanese learner?
- Listen to business Japanese conversations.
- Try using Keigo in emails and roleplays.
- Watch Japanese customer service interactions in stores or TV.
4. Why does Keigo have so many different verbs?
Keigo exists to show respect and humility, so different forms are needed to express different relationships and levels of formality.
5. Can I use Keigo when talking to friends?
Using Keigo with close friends sounds too formal and distant. Casual speech is preferred in friendships and family conversations.
Keigo is an essential part of Japanese society, reflecting values of respect, politeness, and hierarchy. While it can be challenging, mastering Keigo helps you communicate effectively in business, travel, and daily life in Japan.
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