When you visit or live in Japan, chances are, in almost every public interaction, 敬語 will be used. Not only is basic 敬語 used when you introduce yourself to your superiors in a company setting, or when you are addressing a client, patient or customer, it’s also something you’ll hear every day in Japan. You might be thinking, “I’ll never be in a situation where I’ll use this.” This is the kind of language you would use when talking to the Emperor, the Prime Minister or even just your girlfriend’s grandparents. It’s a unique and beautiful part of the Japanese language and it gives learners a hint about Japan’s culture of honor and respect. 敬語 is a super polite form of Japanese used to either convey humility or respect. This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that youĬlick here to get a copy.

The type of speech they’re using is all called keigo, 敬語 (けいご), and this post will teach you everything you need to know about this super-polite, respectful way of speaking. The announcements on the bus have words you’ve never heard before. If you have studied Japanese for just one day, then you know there’s a polite way and a colloquial way to say almost everything.īut when you visit Japan, you can’t understand what the cashier is saying. ApMind Your Manners! The Polite Learner’s Guide to Japanese Keigo

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