Understanding Keigo: Japanese Politeness Levels
The three pillars of Japanese polite speech — and how to actually use them.
Keigo isn't just "polite Japanese" — it's a whole system with three distinct layers. Teineigo (polite), sonkeigo (respectful), and kenjougo (humble) each serve a different purpose. Getting them wrong won't ruin your life, but getting them right will genuinely change how people treat you.
Basic Polite (Teineigo)
これはいくらですか？
Kore wa ikura desu ka?
How much is this?
すみません、ちょっといいですか？
Sumimasen, chotto ii desu ka?
Excuse me, do you have a moment?
お水をください。
Omizu wo kudasai.
Water, please.
わかりました。
Wakarimashita.
Understood.
よろしくお願いします。
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Thank you in advance. / Nice to meet you.
Respectful (Sonkeigo)
先生はいらっしゃいますか？
Sensei wa irasshaimasu ka?
Is the teacher/doctor here?
何をお召し上がりになりますか？
Nani wo omeshiagari ni narimasu ka?
What would you like to eat?
こちらをご覧ください。
Kochira wo goran kudasai.
Please take a look at this.
社長はもうお帰りになりました。
Shachou wa mou okaeri ni narimashita.
The president has already left.
Humble (Kenjougo)
私から申し上げます。
Watashi kara moushiagemasu.
I will tell you (humbly).
お荷物をお持ちします。
Onimotsu wo omochi shimasu.
I'll carry your luggage.
明日伺います。
Ashita ukagaimasu.
I'll visit you tomorrow (humble).
拝見しました。
Haiken shimashita.
I've seen it (humble).
Common Mistakes
自分のことに「いらっしゃる」を使わない
Jibun no koto ni "irassharu" wo tsukawanai
Don't use "irassharu" about yourself — it's for others.
「おっしゃる」は相手の言葉に使う
"Ossharu" wa aite no kotoba ni tsukau
"Ossharu" is for what the other person says, not you.
「参ります」は自分の行動に使う
"Mairimasu" wa jibun no koudou ni tsukau
"Mairimasu" is for your own actions (humble going).
二重敬語に注意：「お召し上がりになられる」はNG
Nijuu keigo ni chuui: "omeshiagari ni narareru" wa NG
Watch out for double keigo — stacking two honorifics is incorrect.
Cultural Tips
- In most daily situations, teineigo (the -masu/-desu form) is perfectly enough. You don't need sonkeigo at the convenience store.
- Sonkeigo raises the other person up; kenjougo lowers yourself. They're two sides of the same coin — both show respect, just from different angles.
- When in doubt, use teineigo. Over-using sonkeigo can sound sarcastic or overly stiff, which is worse than being slightly casual.
FAQ
Do I really need keigo as a foreigner?
For daily life, basic teineigo (-masu/-desu) covers 90% of situations. But if you work at a Japanese company or deal with clients, knowing at least some sonkeigo is expected — and people will notice.
What's the most common keigo mistake?
Using sonkeigo about yourself. For example, saying "watashi wa irasshaimasu" instead of "watashi wa mairimasu." Sonkeigo elevates others, kenjougo lowers yourself.
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