Japanese Keigo: A Practical Guide to Polite Speech Levels

Keigo (敬語) is the Japanese system of polite and respectful language. It's not just about being nice — using the correct level of formality is essential in Japanese culture, especially at work, with elders, or with strangers. While keigo can feel overwhelming at first, the system follows clear patterns that you can learn step by step.

The Three Levels of Keigo

• Teineigo (丁寧語) — Polite language: the -masu/-desu forms you learn first. Used in most everyday interactions with people you don't know well.
• Sonkeigo (尊敬語) — Honorific language: elevates the other person's actions. Used when talking ABOUT a superior, client, or elder.
• Kenjougo (謙譲語) — Humble language: lowers YOUR actions to show respect. Used when talking about YOUR OWN actions to a superior.

Teineigo: Your Daily Foundation

Teineigo is the most common form of keigo and what most textbooks teach first. It uses -masu (ます) endings for verbs and -desu (です) for adjectives and nouns. Examples: "Watashi wa gakusei desu" (I am a student), "Ashita ikimasu" (I will go tomorrow). This level is appropriate for everyday conversations with colleagues, shop staff, and acquaintances — safe for almost any situation.

Sonkeigo: Elevating Others' Actions

Sonkeigo raises the status of the person you're talking about. You NEVER use sonkeigo for your own actions. There are two main patterns: (1) o- + verb stem + ni naru (お + 動詞 + になる): "Sensei wa o-yomi ni narimashita" (The teacher read it). (2) Special replacement verbs — many common verbs have completely different sonkeigo forms. This is where the real memorization happens.

Kenjougo: Humbling Your Own Actions

Kenjougo lowers your own status to show respect to the listener. The general pattern is: o- + verb stem + suru (お + 動詞 + する): "O-mochi shimasu" (I will carry it for you). Like sonkeigo, many common verbs have special kenjougo replacements. The key rule: kenjougo is ONLY for YOUR actions when speaking to or about a superior.

Essential Keigo Verb Replacements

When to Use Each Level

Use teineigo with: coworkers at the same level, shop clerks, teachers in casual settings, new acquaintances. Use sonkeigo when: describing a client's actions in business, talking about your boss to others, addressing customers. Use kenjougo when: describing your own actions to a boss or client, writing formal emails, making business phone calls. In daily life, teineigo is sufficient 90% of the time — sonkeigo and kenjougo are primarily for business and formal contexts.

Practical Business Phrases

• "Shoushou omachi kudasai" (少々お待ちください) — Please wait a moment (to a customer)
• "Osore irimasu ga..." (恐れ入りますが…) — I'm sorry to trouble you, but... (very polite opener)
• "Kashikomarimashita" (かしこまりました) — Certainly / Understood (humble, to a superior)
• "Omatase itashimashita" (お待たせいたしました) — Sorry to have kept you waiting (humble)
• "Go-renraku itashimasu" (ご連絡いたします) — I will contact you (humble, in emails)

Tips for Learning Keigo Naturally

Start by mastering teineigo completely before attempting sonkeigo/kenjougo. Watch Japanese business dramas (ビジネスドラマ) to hear keigo in context. Practice the 8 most common verb replacements in the table above — they cover the vast majority of real situations. When in doubt, using teineigo (-masu/-desu) is always safer than attempting incorrect keigo. Japanese people appreciate the effort even when you make mistakes.

What is keigo in Japanese?

Keigo is Japanese honorific or polite language, used to show respect based on social context, status and relationship. It has three main types: teineigo (polite, with desu and masu), sonkeigo (respectful, elevating the other person), and kenjougo (humble, lowering yourself). Choosing the right level is a key part of Japanese communication.

Do beginners need to learn keigo?

Beginners should start with teineigo — the standard polite form using desu and masu — which is appropriate in almost any everyday situation with people you do not know well. Full sonkeigo and kenjougo are mainly needed for business and formal settings, so they can come later.

How do I know which level of politeness to use?

It depends on who you are talking to. Use plain form with close friends and family, the polite desu/masu form with strangers, colleagues and in shops, and honorific keigo with customers, superiors and in formal business. When unsure, the polite desu/masu form is a safe default.

What happens if I use the wrong keigo level by mistake?

Nothing catastrophic — Japanese speakers are generally forgiving toward learners, especially when the mistake is using too much politeness rather than too little. Erring on the side of teineigo when you're unsure who deserves sonkeigo is the safe direction; the reverse (being too casual with someone who expects formality) is the mistake that actually lands badly. If you do slip and use plain form with someone who expected keigo, a quick self-correction ('sumimasen, teineigo de...') is normal and shows awareness rather than disrespect.