Have you ever hit the “Keigo wall” while living in Japan? Whether it’s chatting with a cashier at the supermarket, communicating with colleagues or bosses at work, or handling procedures at a hospital or government office, Keigo (polite language) is an essential part of daily life in Japan. If you don’t use it correctly, it can lead to misunderstandings or give the impression that you’re being rude.
But don’t worry! This article will clearly explain Keigo and how to effectively use it in your daily life.
What Is Keigo? Understanding the 3 Types
Keigo is a critical aspect of Japanese that must be adjusted based on the relationship and context with the person you’re speaking to. It is divided into three main types:
- Sonkeigo (Honorific Language) Used to show respect to the other person. For example:
- “To go” (行く) → “Irassharu” (いらっしゃる)
- “To see” (見る) → “Goran ni naru” (ご覧になる)
- Kenjougo (Humble Language) Used to lower yourself while elevating the other person. For example:
- “To go” (行く) → “Ukagau” (うかがう)
- “To say” (言う) → “Moushiageru” (申し上げる)
- Teineigo (Polite Language) Used to make the overall tone of speech polite. For example:
- “To eat” (食べる) → “Tabemasu” (食べます)
- Sentences ending with “desu” (です) or “masu” (ます).
Benefits of Mastering Keigo
When you become proficient in Keigo, your life and work in Japan will transform.
- Earn Trust, Seem More Composed: Using correct Keigo instills confidence and trust in those you interact with.
- Improve Relationships: Thoughtful word choices can significantly enhance connections with others.
Unlock career opportunities in Japanese companies, as mastering Keigo gives you a competitive edge.
What Happens If You Don’t Master Keigo?
Failing to use Keigo effectively can impact your life and work in Japan in several ways:
- Loss of Trust in Business: In professional settings, using appropriate Keigo demonstrates professionalism. Incorrect usage could damage your credibility.
- Misunderstandings in Relationships: Without Keigo, you might unintentionally come across as rude, especially to seniors or those in higher positions.
- Challenges in Daily Interactions: Without Keigo, communication with store staff or government workers may not go as smoothly.
Take 3 Steps to Master Keigo!
- Learn Basic Phrases: Start by memorizing commonly used phrases in daily life and work. For example:
- “Thank you.” (ありがとうございます)
- “Thank you for your support.” (お世話になっております)
- “I’m sorry to trouble you, but could you please…?” (恐れ入りますが、〜していただけますでしょうか？)
- Understand the Context: Be clear about when and to whom you should use Keigo. Respectful and humble forms are necessary for superiors and older individuals, while polite forms suffice for colleagues and friends.
- Practice Actively: Put your knowledge into practice. For example, make an effort to say “Arigatou gozaimasu” clearly at convenience stores or cafes—it’s great practice!
Practical Examples of Keigo Usage
1. Conversations at Work
- “Did you review yesterday’s materials?” (昨日の資料はご確認されましたか？) (Honorific)
- “I will report back to you later.” (後ほどご報告いたします。) (Humble)
2. Interactions at Shops or Restaurants
- “Excuse me. May I ask about this?” (すみません、これについてお話を聞かせていただけますか？)
- “Would you like to pay the bill together?” (お会計はご一緒でよろしいですか？)
3. Procedures at Public Offices
- “Could you please check this document?” (こちらの書類をご確認いただけますでしょうか？)
- “I’m sorry, but could you spare a moment?” (申し訳ありません、少々お時間をいただけますか？)
Conclusion: Learn Keigo and Make Your Life in Japan Better!
Keigo might seem daunting, but with consistent practice and focus on key points, you can master it. Why not take this step to enrich your life in Japan?
At 虎ノ門ランゲージスクール, we offer classes that teach practical Japanese, including Keigo!
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