Your Secret Japan

Understanding Keigo: Japan’s Polite Language and Its Role in Everyday Communication

2025年8月12日
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Understanding Keigo: Japan’s Polite Language and Its Role in Everyday Communication

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Ever wondered why Japanese conversations sound so polite, yet layered with meaning and formality?

Beneath the surface of every “arigatou gozaimasu” lies a refined system of speech called keigo—an essential part of Japanese communication that expresses respect, humility, and social awareness.

Whether you're visiting Japan, working with Japanese colleagues, or simply learning the language, understanding keigo will unlock a deeper connection to Japanese culture—and help you avoid awkward missteps in everything from casual chats to formal meetings.

Politeness Across Languages: Keigo Is Not Unique to Japan

When learning about keigo (敬語), some might wonder:
Is this uniquely Japanese?

The answer is—no.
Many languages around the world have developed forms of polite or honorific speech that reflect social relationships, status, and respect.

For example:

  • Korean: Honorific speech called 존댓말 (jondaetmal), used similarly to show respect and social hierarchy.
  • Thai: Uses particles like krap and kha to express politeness, and formal verb structures.
  • Spanish: Distinguishes between tú (informal "you") and usted (formal "you").
  • French: Uses tu and vous in a similar way to express familiarity or formality.

However, Japanese keigo is particularly elaborate and structured, with its three distinct categories: sonkeigo (respectful language), kenjougo (humble language), and teineigo (polite language).
This system is deeply embedded in Japanese society, influencing everything from daily conversations to business and traditional ceremonies.

Understanding that keigo is part of a global phenomenon of linguistic politeness can make it feel less intimidating—and highlight how language and culture are beautifully connected around the world.

The Three Types of Keigo in Japanese

Keigo, or polite language in Japanese, is more than just formal speech—it’s a carefully structured system that reflects social relationships, hierarchy, and humility.

In Japanese, there are three distinct forms of keigo, each with its own role and nuance.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes them different—with clear examples to help you understand how each form is used in real life.

1. Sonkeigo (尊敬語) – Respectful Language

Purpose: To show respect by elevating the status of the person you are speaking to or about.

This form is used when referring to the actions or things related to someone of higher status, such as a boss, teacher, or customer.

Common Examples:

  • 見る (miru) → ご覧になる (goran ni naru) = “to see” (respectful)
  • 言う (iu) → おっしゃる (ossharu) = “to say” (respectful)
  • 行く (iku) / 来る (kuru) → いらっしゃる (irassharu) = “to go” or “to come” (respectful)

Example Sentence:

  • 部長がご覧になります
    (Buchou ga goran ni narimasu)
    → “The department head will see (it).”

2. Kenjougo (謙譲語) – Humble Language

Purpose: To show humility by lowering your own status or actions.

This form is often used in business settings or formal situations when referring to yourself or your in-group (such as your company) in relation to others.

Common Examples:

  • 見る (miru) → 拝見します (haiken shimasu) = “to see” (humbly)
  • 言う (iu) → 申します (moushimasu) = “to say” (humbly)
  • する (suru) → いたします (itashimasu) = “to do” (humbly)

Example Sentence:

  • 私が拝見します
    (Watashi ga haiken shimasu)
    → “I will take a look (humbly).”

3. Teineigo (丁寧語) – Polite Language

Purpose: To speak politely in general, regardless of social rank.

This is the most familiar form for learners of Japanese, used in everyday conversation, shops, restaurants, and most public situations.

Common Patterns:

  • Verbs in 〜ます form:
    食べます (tabemasu) = “to eat”
    行きます (ikimasu) = “to go”

  • Nouns with honorific prefixes:
    お名前 (onamae) = “name” (polite)
    お水 (omizu) = “water” (polite)

Example Sentence:

  • お水をください
    (Omizu o kudasai)
    → “May I have some water?”

Note: In official Japanese language guidelines, there is also a category called bikago (美化語) or “beautified language.”
This refers to adding honorific prefixes like お (o) or ご (go) purely for elegance or politeness, without implying respect or humility toward others.
While bikago is often grouped under teineigo (polite language), it is specifically recognized as its own form in modern linguistic classifications.

By mastering these three types of keigo, you’ll not only improve your Japanese skills but also gain deeper insight into Japan’s unique way of building relationships through language.

How Keigo Reflects Japanese Social Structure

Japan places great importance on social hierarchy—based on age, occupation, and relationship.
But where does this emphasis on hierarchy come from?

Historically, Japanese society has been shaped by Confucian values introduced from China during ancient times.
Confucianism taught respect for elders, loyalty to superiors, and harmony within social groups. These ideas became deeply embedded in Japanese culture, especially during the Edo period (1603–1868), when strict class systems defined people’s roles—from samurai to merchants and farmers.

In this context, language naturally evolved as a tool to express social order and relationships.
Over centuries, keigo became more than just a set of polite words—it grew into a formal system reflecting:

  • Respect for authority and seniority
  • Awareness of group harmony (wa, 和)
  • **Clear boundaries between in-group and out-group

Using the correct form of keigo helps speakers:

  • Show proper respect
  • Avoid offending others
  • Build smooth interpersonal relationships
  • Maintain harmony in both casual and formal settings, from everyday conversations to workplaces and traditional ceremonies

Even today, these cultural values remain strong in modern Japan.
Whether in business, education, or family life, keigo plays a key role in navigating the complex web of human relationships and social etiquette unique to Japanese society.

Everyday Examples of Keigo in Action

While learning keigo in theory is important, real-life situations often involve subtle choices.
Here are some everyday scenarios where using the right type of keigo can make a difference—and some common pitfalls to watch out for.

1. Business Emails and Phone Calls

In professional communication, keigo is essential for building trust and showing respect.
In Japan, business emails and phone conversations often follow set patterns using keigo phrases, almost like fixed formulas.

For example, it’s common to begin with a polite greeting such as:

  • Opening phrases (set expressions):
    いつもお世話になっております(Itsumo osewa ni natte orimasu)
    → “Thank you for your continued support.”
    お世話になります (Osewa ni narimasu)
    → Another polite opening phrase used when contacting someone for the first time.

And to end with a polite closing phrase:

  • Ending phrase (set expression):
    よろしくお願いいたします (Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu)
    → A versatile phrase meaning “Thank you in advance,” “I appreciate your help,” or “Best regards.”

This phrase is used in almost every formal email or conversation in Japan.
Depending on the situation, people often add words in front of it for extra nuance:

  • 何卒よろしくお願いいたします (Nanitozo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu)
    → Very formal, often used in business emails.
  • 今後ともよろしくお願いいたします (Kongo tomo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu)
    → “I look forward to your continued support.” Used in ongoing business relationships.
  • 引き続きよろしくお願いいたします (Hikitsuzuki yoroshiku onegai itashimasu)
    → “Thank you again for your continued cooperation.”

Cultural Note: No matter how formal the sentence becomes, it usually ends with yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. Learning this one phrase will help you in almost any Japanese social or professional setting.

Additionally, apologies are often phrased with keigo:

  • Apologizing:
    ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません (Gomeiwaku o okake shite moushiwake arimasen)
    → “I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”

Cultural Point: Japanese use these phrases almost automatically, as part of everyday business etiquette.
Mastering these fixed expressions helps you sound more natural and professional in Japanese business settings.

2. Customer Service Situations

When shopping or dining in Japan, staff always use keigo toward customers as a sign of respect.
This is similar to saying “Please” or “Could you〜?” in English, but with a more formal and ritualized tone.

  • Example phrases used by staff:
    少々お待ちくださいませ (Shou-shou omachi kudasaimase)
    → “Please wait a moment.”

    こちらでよろしいでしょうか？ (Kochira de yoroshii deshou ka?)
    → “Is this all right?”

In Japan, these expressions are part of a fixed service pattern, often referred to as “customer-first language”.
Even small shops or casual restaurants use this style to maintain politeness.

Cultural Note: While customers in Japan usually don’t need to use keigo toward staff, basic polite language (です・ます) is appreciated.
Compared to English, Japanese customer service phrases tend to sound more formal and structured, reflecting Japan’s strong focus on hospitality and respect.

3. Introducing Yourself

When meeting someone for the first time, especially in formal settings:

  • はじめまして、〇〇と申します (Hajimemashite, 〇〇 to moushimasu)
    → “Nice to meet you, my name is 〇〇.”

  • どうぞよろしくお願いいたします (Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu)
    → Standard polite phrase after introductions.

Mistake to Avoid: Using casual phrases like 〇〇です when introducing yourself in formal contexts can sound overly familiar.

4. Speaking on Behalf of Others

When referring to someone in your in-group (like a coworker or family member) to an outsider, use kenjougo even if that person is of higher status within your group.

  • 部長が伺います (Buchou ga ukagaimasu)
    → “Our department head will visit (humbly).”

Cultural Point: This reflects the Japanese concept of uchi-soto (inside-outside group distinction).

Keigo for Foreigners: Relax, It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

Keigo has multiple layers of formality and nuance, which can be overwhelming at first.
From choosing the right form—sonkeigo, kenjougo, or teineigo—to mastering fixed expressions, it may feel like there are too many rules.

But don’t worry—effort is appreciated, even if your keigo isn't perfect.
Japanese people often admire foreigners who try to use polite language, and small mistakes are usually forgiven with a smile.

In fact, even many native Japanese speakers sometimes hesitate when using formal keigo in unfamiliar situations, such as:

  • Writing business emails
  • Attending formal ceremonies
  • Answering customer service calls

Cultural Tip:
Rather than aiming for perfection from the start, focus on using basic polite forms (です・ます) and learning a few set phrases first. That’s already enough to make a positive impression.

Remember—keigo is not just about showing off language skills.
It’s about expressing respect, humility, and care for others—values that transcend language barriers.

By simply trying, you are already participating in this beautiful cultural tradition.

Tips for Learning and Using Keigo

Learning keigo may seem overwhelming, but by following a step-by-step approach, it becomes more manageable.
Here are some practical tips for building keigo skills effectively:

1. Start with Teineigo (です・ます forms)

Before diving into sonkeigo or kenjougo, focus on mastering teineigo.
Using です and ます forms consistently is considered polite enough in most everyday situations.

  • Example:
    これは水です (Kore wa mizu desu) → “This is water.”
    行きます (Ikimasu) → “I will go.”

2. Learn Set Phrases First

Rather than memorizing complex grammar, start with fixed expressions often used in business or customer service:

  • お世話になります(Osewa ni narimasu)

  • よろしくお願いいたします(Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu)

  • 失礼いたします(Shitsurei itashimasu)
    → A formal way to say “Excuse me” or “Pardon me.”
    This phrase is commonly used when entering or leaving a room, especially in business or formal settings.

    Typical situations:

    • Entering an office: 失礼いたします before opening the door.
    • Ending a phone call politely.
    • Leaving a meeting.

Note: While 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu) is also polite, adding いたします makes it even more formal.

These phrases are like templates that can be used as-is.

3. Practice Sonkeigo and Kenjougo for Work Situations

Once you feel confident with basic polite language, try learning:

  • Sonkeigo → Respectful language for superiors.
  • Kenjougo → Humble language when referring to yourself.

Focus on workplace conversations, emails, and customer service scenarios.

4. Watch and Listen: Use Media as a Learning Tool

Japanese TV dramas, news programs, and anime set in schools or offices are good resources to observe keigo in action.

Recommended resources:

5. Practice Actively with Native Speakers

  • Join language exchange meetups or apps like HelloTalk or Tandem.
  • Ask Japanese friends or coworkers to correct your keigo usage kindly.

Final Thoughts

Keigo is more than just a set of polite phrases—it’s a living reflection of Japanese culture, values, and relationships.
Through keigo, people show respect, humility, and care for those around them in ways that words alone can’t fully capture.

You don’t have to master every rule or phrase perfectly.
What truly matters is the effort to understand and use keigo with sincerity.
Even a simple “arigatou gozaimasu” carries meaning beyond politeness—it becomes a bridge connecting different cultures and hearts.

So as you continue your Japanese journey:
Speak gently. Respect others. And enjoy the beauty of Japanese communication—one phrase at a time.

Keigo is not just about language. It’s about building kindness and trust—across words, across cultures.

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