敬 語(けいご)

けいご

noun

honorific language

1. honorific language; polite language

The system of formal and polite expressions in Japanese used to show respect to others or humility about oneself.

敬語(けいご)を正(ただ)しく使(つか)うのは難(むずか)しい。

It's difficult to use honorific language correctly.

目上(めうえ)の人(ひと)には敬語(けいご)で話(はな)す。

Speak to superiors using honorific language.

敬語(けいご)が上手(じょうず)だと印象(いんしょう)がいい。

Being skilled at honorific language makes a good impression.

TYPES OF KEIGO:

尊敬語(そんけいご) (honorific language - elevates the listener/subject)
謙譲語(けんじょうご) (humble language - lowers the speaker)
丁寧語(ていねいご) (polite language - です/ます forms)

EXAMPLES:

食(た)べる → 召(め)し上(あ)がる (honorific), いただく (humble)
言(い)う → おっしゃる (honorific), 申(もう)す (humble)
行(い)く → いらっしゃる (honorific), 参(まい)る (humble)

USAGE: Essential in Japanese business, service industry, and formal social interactions. Many Japanese people struggle with keigo even as adults.

Related Words

Related: 尊敬語(そんけいご) (honorific)

Related: 謙譲語(けんじょうご) (humble)

Related: 丁寧語(ていねいご) (polite language)

Contrast: タメ語(ご) (casual speech)

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The Basic Keigo System

general

Added 2026.1.13 16:50 · Revised 2026.5.29 3:09

04000/04022_keigo