Keigo 敬語

keigo · from Japanese

What is keigo?

Keigo is the Japanese system of respectful language, with three main types: sonkeigo (respectful), kenjōgo (humble) and teineigo (polite).

Sonkeigo elevates the listener or third party, kenjōgo lowers the speaker, and teineigo is the neutral polite です/ます style. Many common verbs have special keigo forms. Even native speakers study business keigo when they start work.

Examples

いらっしゃる irassharu (respectful go/come/be); 参る mairu (humble go/come); 召し上がる meshiagaru (respectful eat); 食べます tabemasu (polite eat)

Kungfucius says: Keigo: three ways to say the same verb, depending on who you are trying not to offend.