尊敬語(そんけいご)

そんけいご
noun
honorific language; respectful speech
language
1. honorific language; respectful speech
One of the three main categories of keigo (polite language) in Japanese. Honorific language elevates the actions or state of the person being spoken about, showing respect toward them.
尊敬語(そんけいご)を使(つか)う。
To use honorific language.
「いらっしゃる」は「いる」の尊敬語(そんけいご)です。
"Irassharu" is the honorific form of "iru."
目上(めうえ)の人(ひと)に対(たい)しては尊敬語(そんけいご)を正(ただ)しく使(つか)えるようにしましょう。
Let's learn to use honorific language correctly when speaking to superiors.

Usage

One of the three categories of 敬語(けいご) (polite language): 尊敬語(そんけいご) (honorific — elevates others), 謙譲語(けんじょうご) (humble — lowers yourself), and 丁寧語(ていねいご) (polite — です/ます forms). 尊敬語(そんけいご) is used when referring to the actions of someone you respect.

Common collocations

Similar words

Related Words

Related: 敬語(けいご) (honorific language (umbrella term))
Compare: 丁寧語(ていねいご) (polite language)
Compare: 謙譲語(けんじょうご) (humble language)

Related Articles

The Basic Keigo System
general
Added 2026.3.16 9:42 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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