keigo

Keigo, or 敬語, is the system of Japanese honorific language used to show respect and deference in social interaction. It governs how people talk about others, their actions, and the speaker’s own actions, reflecting social hierarchy and politeness norms.

In modern Japanese keigo is commonly divided into three main forms: sonkeigo (尊敬語), kenjougo (謙譲語), and teineigo (丁寧語). Teineigo is the general polite style that uses desu and mas endings and is used in most formal but not deferential contexts. Sonkeigo elevates the subject or listener, while kenjougo lowers the speaker or their in-group when describing actions.

Examples and mechanisms: Teineigo uses polite verb endings, as in 行きます, 見ます, です. In sonkeigo, verbs often have special forms, such as いらっしゃる (to go/come/exist), おっしゃる (to say), ご覧になる or ご覧になります (to see). Kenjougo uses humble forms such as 伺う or 参る (go/come), 申し上げる or 申します (say), 拝見する (see). Noun forms are often prefixed with お or ご, as in お名前, ご連絡, お世話になる, to show respect or deference.

Usage and context: Keigo is essential in business, customer service, formal writing, and interactions with elders or higher-status individuals. Everyday casual conversation tends to use plain forms or simple desu/masu politeness. Misapplication can sound artificial or distant, so learners typically study keigo gradually, guided by context and feedback.

Notes: Keigo evolves with social norms and industry conventions, and mastery involves listening, practice, and sensitivity to the setting.