1.
polite language; polite speech
One of the three categories of Japanese honorific language (敬語). Polite language uses forms like です and ます to show general politeness toward the listener, without specifically elevating or humbling anyone. It is the most commonly used type of 敬語.
丁寧語で話してください。
Please speak in polite language.
「です」と「ます」は丁寧語の代表的な表現だ。
'Desu' and 'masu' are representative expressions of polite language.
初めて会う人には丁寧語を使うのが基本だ。
It is standard to use polite language with someone you are meeting for the first time.
USAGE:
丁寧語 is a grammatical term used in Japanese language education. It is one of the three types of 敬語 (honorific language). 丁寧語 expresses general politeness toward the listener and is distinguished from 尊敬語 (which elevates the subject) and 謙譲語 (which humbles the speaker).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 丁寧語を使う (use polite language)
- 丁寧語で話す (speak in polite language)
- 丁寧語の表現 (polite expressions)
RELATED TERMS:
- 敬語 is the umbrella term for honorific language.
- 尊敬語 is respectful language that elevates the actions of others.
- 謙譲語 is humble language that lowers the speaker's own actions.
- 丁寧 means polite or careful.