If you're starting to learn Japanese, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a casual and a polite way to say just about everything. But then you find yourself in Japan, and the cashier at a convenience store says something completely unfamiliar. Or you’re in a department store, and the announcements sound way more complicated than what you’ve learned in class.

What you’re hearing is keigo (敬語)—the ultra-polite way of speaking in Japanese. Keigo is used in formal situations to show respect or humility, and it’s a big part of Japanese culture. While it might seem intimidating at first, it’s not as scary as it sounds! In fact, it’s something you’ll hear and use more often than you might expect. Let’s break it down step by step and make it easier to understand.

What Is Keigo?

At its core, keigo is all about showing respect and maintaining harmony in communication. It’s used in formal settings, whether you’re at work, shopping, or even talking to someone older than you. Keigo comes in three main types, each with its own role:

尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) is respectful language used to talk about someone else’s actions. For example, if your manager is leaving the office, you’d say, "いらっしゃいます" (goes) instead of "行きます."

謙譲語 (Kenjougo) is humble language used to lower yourself or your actions when speaking about what you (or your group) are doing. For example, instead of saying, "見ます" (to see), you’d say "拝見します" (humbly see).

丁寧語 (Teineigo) is polite language that adds a formal tone to your speech. This is the simplest and most commonly used form of keigo, often used in day-to-day interactions with strangers or acquaintances.

Understanding these three types will not only make navigating Japanese conversations easier but will also help you sound more natural and respectful in different settings.

Why Is Keigo Important?

You might think, “Do I really need to learn keigo if I’m just starting out?” The answer is yes, but don’t worry—it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds. Keigo is used in many situations, making it an essential part of Japanese communication.

At restaurants, you’ll often hear staff say, "少々お待ちください" (Please wait a moment), instead of the simpler "ちょっと待ってください." On public transport, train announcements like, "まもなく東京駅に到着いたします" (We will soon arrive at Tokyo Station), are delivered in polite language. In professional settings, such as workplaces or schools, keigo is essential for interacting with colleagues, professors, or clients.

Even if you don’t need to use keigo much right away, being able to recognize it will help you navigate daily life in Japan with confidence.

Breaking Down the Types of Keigo

Sonkeigo (Respectful Language for Others):
Sonkeigo is used when talking about someone else’s actions in a respectful way. It’s commonly heard in workplaces, customer service, and when speaking to elders or people you don’t know well.

For example, instead of saying "行きます" (to go), you would say "いらっしゃいます." Similarly, "食べます" (to eat) or "飲みます" (to drink) becomes "召し上がります," and "見ます" (to see) becomes "ご覧になります."

If you want to ask, “Have you already visited the museum?” in a respectful way:

• Normal polite: 博物館にもう行きましたか？

• Sonkeigo: 博物館にもういらっしゃいましたか？

Another example, “Please enjoy these snacks,” would be:

• Normal polite: お菓子をどうぞ食べてください。

• Sonkeigo: お菓子をどうぞ召し上がってください。

Kenjougo (Humble Language for Yourself):
Kenjougo is about humbling yourself when talking about your own actions. This type of keigo is commonly used in professional or formal settings to show modesty.

For example, instead of saying "行きます" (to go) or "来ます" (to come), you would say "参ります." Similarly, "見ます" (to see) becomes "拝見します," and "言います" (to say) becomes "申します."

If you want to say “I came to the office this morning,” you would say:

• Normal polite: 今朝、オフィスに来ました。

• Kenjougo: 今朝、オフィスに参りました。

Another example, “I looked at the documents,” becomes:

• Normal polite: 資料を見ました。

• Kenjougo: 資料を拝見しました。

Teineigo (Everyday Polite Speech):
Teineigo is the most commonly used and simplest form of keigo. It’s used in everyday conversations to add formality and politeness.

For example, instead of casually asking, "今、大丈夫ですか？" (Is now a good time?), you would say, "今、よろしいですか？" At a restaurant, instead of just saying “Thanks for waiting,” you’d hear, "お待たせいたしました。"

Why Keigo Isn’t as Hard as It Seems

Keigo can feel complicated when you first encounter it, but it’s really about understanding who you’re talking to and choosing the appropriate words. You don’t need to memorize every single rule immediately—start with commonly used phrases and build your knowledge gradually.

Even native speakers make mistakes with keigo sometimes, so don’t worry too much if you slip up. The key is to practice, pay attention to how it’s used in real-life situations, and learn from context.

Next time you hear something like "少々お待ちください" (Please wait a moment) at a restaurant or "ご乗車ありがとうございます" (Thank you for riding) on a train, you’ll know exactly what it means—and maybe even feel confident enough to try it out yourself!

By understanding and practicing keigo, you’ll not only improve your Japanese skills but also deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and etiquette. It’s a challenge worth taking on, and with time and practice, it will become a natural part of your Japanese communication toolkit.