AP Japanese Language and Culture
Advanced Placement Japanese Language and Culture building Japanese language proficiency.
Advanced Topics
Keigo: Honorific and Humble Language
Navigating Politeness in Japanese
Japanese has a special system for showing respect called Keigo. There are three main types:
- Sonkeigo (Honorific language): Used to raise the status of others.
- Kenjougo (Humble language): Used to lower your own status.
- Teineigo (Polite language): Everyday polite speech.
How Keigo Works
The verbs and phrases you use change depending on who you're speaking to. For example, "to do" is します in polite speech, なさいます in honorific, and いたします in humble.
When to Use Keigo
- Speaking to superiors, teachers, or clients.
- In customer service or business settings.
- Meeting someone for the first time.
Why Keigo Matters
Using keigo appropriately shows cultural understanding and respect. It can open doors in business and social situations.
Examples
お客様がいらっしゃいました。 (The customer has arrived.)
先生に本をお渡しします。 (I will hand the book to the teacher.)
In a Nutshell
Keigo is the art of showing respect in Japanese through special words and grammar.