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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