In Japanese culture, politeness reigns supreme. This is evident in their language, where a nuanced system of honorifics, called keigo (敬語), plays a crucial role. Using honorifics correctly demonstrates respect for others and navigates the intricate social hierarchy of Japan.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate this system with confidence, ensuring you avoid awkward conversations and make a positive impression in your interactions.

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Unveiling the Layers of Keigo

Essential Suffixes

Mastering the Art

Unveiling the Layers of Keigo

Keigo is a multifaceted system encompassing three levels:

Teineigo (丁寧語): The Foundation of Politeness

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Teineigo (丁寧語) serves as the foundation of polite speech in Japanese. It’s used in daily scenarios and adds a layer of politeness compared to informal speech. Imagine it like adding “please” and “thank you” to your sentences, but grammatically woven into the verb conjugations and sentence structure.

Examples:

• ご飯を食べます 
  gohan o tabemasu
  I will eat rice

• コーヒーをください
  Koohii o kudasai 
  Please give me coffee (kure in plain speech) 
  
  
• ペンを貸してください
  Pen o kashite kudasai
  Please lend me a pen

Sonkeigo (尊敬語): Elevating the Listener

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Sonkeigo (尊敬語)  shows respect for the listener by elevating their actions and possessions. This grammar is used to emphasize the importance of what the other person is doing or has. Sonkeigo verbs often have different conjugations compared to plain speech or teineigo.

Examples:

• 先生が説明してくださいました 
  Sensei ga setsumei shite kudasaimashita.
  The teacher kindly explained.
  *説明する, setsumei suru is the plain verb for “to explain”.
  
  
• 田中さんはお帰りになりました
  Tanaka-san wa o-kaeri ni narimashita.  
  Mr./Ms. Tanaka has gone home. 
  *帰る, kaeru is the plain verb for “to go home”.

Kenjogo (謙譲語): The Art of Humility

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Kenjogo (謙譲語) stands in opposition to sonkeigo. It humbles the speaker’s actions and possessions, essentially downplaying what you’re doing or what you have to show respect for the listener. Similar to sonkeigo, kenjogo verbs often have different conjugations.

Examples:

• 申し訳ございませんが、座れません 
  moushiwake gozaimasen ga, suwaremasen
  I apologize, but I cannot sit down 
  *座る, suwaru is the plain verb for “to sit”.
  
  
• いただきません 
  Itadakimasen
  I will not have any 

The Essential Suffixes: Unveiling Their Nuances

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• -san (さん): The versatile Mr., Ms., or Miss, used for acquaintances, colleagues, and even customers.
• -sama (様): For distinguished individuals like customers, superiors, or deities. Use sparingly to avoid sounding overly familiar.
• -kun (くん): Primarily for boys and young men, conveying a casual yet respectful tone. Can be used by superiors addressing juniors in a company setting.
• -chan (ちゃん): For girls, young women, or close friends, conveying a friendly and affectionate air.

Remember: There are exceptions and subtleties!

• -sensei (先生): For teachers, doctors, or anyone with respected expertise.
• -dono (様 (どの): Used for men in a more formal setting but less formal than -sama.

Beyond Suffixes: Exploring Honorific Prefixes

• o- (お) and go- (ご): Honorific prefixes elevating the noun’s status. For example, o-cha (tea) or gohan (meal).

Mastering the Art: Putting It All Together

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Using honorifics effectively requires understanding the context. Consider the person’s age, social status, and your relationship with them. Here are some general guidelines:

• In business settings, start with -san and adjust based on seniority.
• When addressing someone much older, consider -sama.
• Use -kun and -chan cautiously, primarily among friends or family.

A Cheat Sheet for Honorifics

While keigo can seem complex, here’s a simplified cheat sheet to help you remember the basics:

• New people? Use -san, always a safe choice.
• In doubt? Use -san.
• Young men or boys (friends)? Consider -kun.
• Young women or girls (friends)? Consider -chan.
• Teachers, doctors, or those with expertise? Use -sensei.
• Superiors or distinguished guests? Use -sama sparingly.

Conclusion

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Using honorifics correctly goes beyond just following rules. It’s about fostering a sense of respect, understanding, and connection. As you navigate the nuances of keigo, remember that a genuine effort to communicate respectfully is always appreciated. With practice, you’ll find yourself using honorifics naturally, navigating social situations with confidence, and leaving a positive impression on those you meet in Japan.

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