Master Keigo: A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Honorifics

The Art of Japanese Honorifics: Unlocking Keigo

The Japanese language’s honorific system, known as Keigo, is more than just polite speech—it’s a social toolkit built into the language itself. While many learners begin with the basic polite form (e.g., adding -masu to verbs), the true art of Keigo lies in a deeper system designed to navigate social relationships.

The fundamental principle of Keigo boils down to one simple choice in any given situation: you either use words that elevate the other person or words that humble yourself.

1. Elevating Others with Respectful Language (尊敬語, Sonkeigo)

Sonkeigo is used when you are describing the actions of someone you respect, such as a boss, professor, or client. Instead of just changing the ending of a verb, you use entirely different words to put their actions on a “verbal pedestal.”

• Example: The plain verb for “to see” (見る, miru) becomes ご覧になる (goran ni naru) when talking about a superior’s action.

• Example: The plain verb for “to eat” (食べる, taberu) becomes 召し上がる (meshiagaru).

2. Humbling Yourself with Humble Language (謙譲語, Kenjōgo)

Kenjōgo is used to humble your own actions when speaking to someone of a higher social standing. By using modest words to describe what you did, you effectively elevate the person you are speaking to by contrast.

• Example: When you “see” something, the verb “miru” becomes 拝見する (haiken suru).

• Example: When you “eat,” the verb “taberu” becomes いただく (itadaku).

Ultimately, Keigo is not about memorizing grammar rules, but about acting as a social compass. The verbs you choose tell a story about the social relationship between the speakers and the person being discussed. It’s a system for encoding respect and social structure directly into everyday speech.