All about Keigo: The Japanese principle of honorific speech, followed from the time of samurai

Keigo and its different types

1. Sonkeigo (尊敬語) – Respectful speech

Sonkeigo is used when speaking about someone of higher status, like a boss, customer, or elder. It elevates the subject of the sentence, showing admiration and politeness. Some common transformations include:

“Taberu” (to eat) → “Meshiagaru” (to eat, honorific)

“Iku” (to go) → “Irassharu” (to go, honorific)

Imagine you’re a new employee speaking to your company’s CEO—you wouldn’t just say, “You’re going to the meeting, right?” Instead, you’d use sonkeigo to say something like, “Shachou wa kaigi ni irasshaimasu ka?” (Is the president attending the meeting?).

2. Kenjougo (謙譲語) – Humble speech

Kenjougo is the opposite of sonkeigo—instead of elevating others, it lowers the speaker (or their in-group) to show humility. This is commonly used when talking about oneself in business settings. For example:

“Miru” (to see) → “Haiken suru” (to see, humble)

“Iu” (to say) → “Mousu” (to say, humble)

If you were meeting an important client, you wouldn’t casually say, “I saw your presentation.” Instead, you’d say, “Haiken itashimashita.” It’s a small shift in language, but it makes a big difference in showing respect.

In samurai society, speaking with proper respect was essential, as a single slip of the tongue could offend a superior—and that wasn’t something you wanted to do when dealing with a sword-wielding warrior! (file)

3. Teineigo (丁寧語) – Polite speech

Teineigo is the most neutral and widely used form of Keigo, often recognized by its “-masu” and “-desu” endings. It’s the default polite speech used in customer interactions, public speaking, and when addressing people you don’t know well. For example:

“Taberu” (to eat) → “Tabemasu” (to eat, polite)

“Iku” (to go) → “Ikimasu” (to go, polite)

This form of Keigo is what you hear in stores, restaurants, and even on the news. It’s a safe and easy way to be polite without overcomplicating things.

How Keigo became a commonplace thing

The origins of Keigo go back centuries, evolving during Japan’s feudal era when class divisions were strict. In samurai society, speaking with proper respect was essential, as a single slip of the tongue could offend a superior—and that wasn’t something you wanted to do when dealing with a sword-wielding warrior!

Over time, Keigo became ingrained in daily life, shaping the way Japanese people communicate even today.

Why is Keigo important?

1. It builds respect and professionalism

In Japan, using the correct level of Keigo shows professionalism, humility, and awareness of social etiquette. This is especially crucial in business environments, where the way you address clients, bosses, or coworkers can significantly impact relationships.

For example, in a job interview, if you speak in casual language instead of Keigo, you might come across as disrespectful or unprepared. However, demonstrating proper Keigo can leave a positive impression and help build strong professional connections.

2. It enhances customer service (Omotenashi)

Japan is known for its world-class hospitality, or Omotenashi (おもてなし), where Keigo plays a vital role. Employees in restaurants, hotels, and stores use Keigo to create a warm, respectful atmosphere. If you visit Japan, you’ll notice how service workers use sonkeigo to honor customers and kenjougo to humble themselves.

For instance, instead of saying, “Here is your order,” a waiter may say, “Kochira gochuumon no shouhin de gozaimasu” (This is the item you ordered, with utmost respect). This extra layer of politeness enhances the customer experience.

3. It preserves harmony (Wa, 和)

One of Japan’s core cultural values is harmony (wa, 和). Using Keigo correctly prevents conflict and misunderstandings in both personal and professional settings. Even in difficult situations, Keigo allows people to express disagreement or make requests in a non-confrontational, respectful manner.

For example, instead of saying, “This is wrong,” in a meeting, a Japanese person might say, “Moushiwake gozaimasen ga, chotto kangae ga chigau kamo shiremasen” (I apologize, but our opinions might differ slightly). This softer approach maintains harmony while still addressing the issue.

While it may seem daunting at first, starting with basic polite forms and gradually expanding your knowledge will help you navigate Japanese conversations with confidence. So, whether you’re a language learner, a business professional, or a traveller, embracing Keigo is a step toward deeper cultural understanding.