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 honorific language, plays a vital role in Japanese society, reflecting the country's deeply rooted values of respect, hierarchy, and social harmony. Unlike many other languages, Japanese has a structured system of speech that changes depending on the relationship between the speaker and the listener. This includes respectful forms when speaking to superiors, customers, or elders, and humble or modest forms when referring to oneself or one’s in-group.

There are three main types of keigo:

Sonkeigo (尊敬語) – respectful language used to elevate the listener or subject.

Kenjōgo (謙譲語) – humble language used to lower oneself or one’s group.

Teineigo (丁寧語) – polite language, typically marked by the use of “desu” and “masu” endings.

Mastering keigo is essential not only in business and formal settings but also in daily interactions like customer service, interviews, and official documents. In Japanese society, using the appropriate level of politeness demonstrates cultural awareness, professionalism, and emotional intelligence. Even small missteps in keigo can unintentionally cause offense or signal disrespect, which is why it remains a critical part of both language education and workplace etiquette in Japan.

What is Keigo?

Keigo (敬語) is the honorific form of the Japanese language used to show respect, politeness, and humility in communication. It is a fundamental aspect of Japanese culture and social structure, reflecting hierarchical relationships such as seniority, status, and familiarity between speakers.

There are three main types of Keigo:
1.Sonkeigo (尊敬語) – Respectful Language
2.Kenjougo (謙譲語) – Humble Language
3.Teineigo (丁寧語) – Polite Language

Sonkeigo (尊敬語) – Respectful Language

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Sonkeigo is used when talking about someone superior, such as a boss, customer, or teacher.

 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.

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."
     

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."
     

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?"
     

4. Official Announcements & Media

• TV news, public announcements, and official statements use Keigo for professionalism.

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.

To better understand how politeness is deeply rooted in the language, you can also explore different ways to say “Thank You” in Japanese—an essential aspect of everyday communication and respectful expression in Japanese culture.

Would you like to practice Keigo with real-life dialogues? Let me know!