Business Japanese – Basics of Keigo①
Table of Contents
1. Japanese Keigo
2. Types of Keigo
3. Roles
4. 2 Types of Humble Language
5. Summary
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment
Q: Why is keigo (honorific language) used in Japan? It seems there are several types, so I’d like to understand the basics first.
A: In the past, Japan had a clear hierarchical system that distinguished between those of higher and lower status. Initially, only 尊敬語 (respectful language) was used, but eventually, this was not sufficient, leading to the development of 謙譲語 (humble language) as well. This article explains the basics of keigo.
Types of Keigo
Keigo can be broadly divided into three categories:
- 尊敬語 (respectful language)
- 謙譲語 (humble language)
- 丁寧語 (polite language)
It can also be further classified into five categories:
- 尊敬語 (respectful language)
- 謙譲語 I (humble language)
- 謙譲語 II (courteous language)
- 丁寧語 (polite language)
- 美化語 (beautified language)
Roles
Here is a brief explanation of each role:
[尊敬語 (respectful language)]
It expresses respect for the actions or state of a superior or the subject of discussion.
The key point is to elevate the actions or status of the other person.
[Examples]
社長は先ほど帰られました。
The president left earlier.
マネージャーはお客様とお話しされています。
The manager is talking with the customer.
[謙譲語 Ⅰ・Ⅱ (humble language)]
It expresses respect for others by humbling one’s own actions or state.
The key point is to lower oneself to elevate the other person.
[Examples]
明日15時に御社へ参ります。
I will visit your company at 3 PM tomorrow.
私は事務所におります。
I am in the office.
[丁寧語 (polite language)]
It uses “~ます” or “~です” to give a polite impression to the listener.
The difference from honorific language lies in its lack of association with superiors or the subject of the action, and the difference from humble language is that it does not humble one’s own actions. Polite language can be used regardless of who the subject of the action is.
[Examples]
わたしは学校で勉強します。
I study at school.
ワンさんは来月、国へ帰ります。
Mr. Wang will return to his country next month.
明日は晴れですよ。
It will be sunny tomorrow.
[美化語 (beautified language)]
It uses “お” or “ご” to beautifully express things or words, giving a softer and more polite impression than directly stating things. This does not aim to show respect toward any specific person.
[Examples]
きのう、お寿司を食べました。
Yesterday, I ate sushi.
すみませんが、ご連絡いただけますか。
Excuse me, but could you please contact me?
The Reason Why Humble Language (謙譲語) Is Divided into Two Types
Humble language originally served as a way to show respect to others by humbling oneself. However, due to clear differences in usage, it was divided into two categories. This distinction allows the Japanese honorific system to adapt with greater subtlety and flexibility.
[謙譲語Ⅰ : Humble Language I for Elevating Others]
This form of humble language expresses respect by humbling oneself to elevate the other person. It is used to honor the position or actions of the other person, emphasizing their importance.
[Purpose]
To elevate the other person and emphasize respect toward them.
[Usage]
Used in situations where the other person is present or when addressing or doing something for them.
[Examples]
「伺う」：行く → Expresses respect when going toward the other person.
「申し上げる」：言う → Humbles the act of conveying something to the other person, showing respect.
「差し上げる」：与える → Describes the act of giving something to the other person with respect.
[謙譲語Ⅱ（丁重語）: Humble Language Ⅱ for Describing One’s Actions with Humility]
Rather than elevating the listener, 丁重語 focuses on describing one’s own actions or presence in a modest and respectful manner. It is used to express a sense of humility or reserve without specifically addressing or elevating another person.
[Purpose]
To humbly describe one’s own actions or existence
Does not specify or directly address the listener
[Usage]
This form is used when the speaker describes their own actions, aiming to leave a polite and respectful impression.
[Examples]
「参る」：行く・来る → Describes the speaker’s movement humbly.
「申す」：言う → Politely expresses the speaker’s statements.
「いたす」：する → Humbly describes the speaker’s actions.
Summary
- Keigo is categorized into three types: ①尊敬語 (respectful language), ②謙譲語 (humble language), and ③丁寧語 (polite language), or into five types: ①尊敬語, ②謙譲語 I, ③謙譲語 II (丁重語 – courteous language), ④丁寧語, and ⑤美化語 (beautification language).
- 尊敬語 elevates the actions or state of a higher-ranking person or the subject of the conversation, showing respect toward them.
- 謙譲語 (I and II) humbles the speaker’s actions or state to show respect toward the other person.
- 丁寧語 uses expressions like “～ます” and “～です” to give a polite impression, regardless of who the subject of the action is. It is not specifically tied to honoring or humbling the subject.
- 美化語 uses prefixes like “お” or “ご” to beautify expressions, making words softer and more polite. Unlike other types, it does not aim to show respect toward a specific individual.
