The Role of Keigo (Honorific Speech) in Japanese Society

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

 What is Keigo?

Keigo (敬語) refers to polite and honorific language in Japanese. It is used to:
✅ Show respect to superiors and customers
✅ Express humility when talking about oneself
✅ Maintain social harmony (和 – Wa)

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

 Sonkeigo (尊敬語) – Respectful Language

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

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Normal Verb	Sonkeigo (Respectful)	Meaning
言う (Iu)	おっしゃる (Ossharu)	To say
行く (Iku)	いらっしゃる (Irassharu)	To go
する (Suru)	なさる (Nasaru)	To do
食べる (Taberu)	召し上がる (Meshiagaru)	To eat

✅ 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.

Normal Verb	Kenjougo (Humble)	Meaning
言う (Iu)	申す (Mōsu) / 申し上げる (Mōshiageru)	To say
行く (Iku)	参る (Mairu)	To go
する (Suru)	いたす (Itasu)	To do
食べる (Taberu)	いただく (Itadaku)	To eat

✅ 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.”

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:

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📌 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.

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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.

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