Honorific language overview

Level 3Sounds Like keigo (gaiyou)

Keigo (敬語) is the formal system of Japanese speech used to navigate social hierarchies. It is divided into five modern categories: Sonkeigo (Respectful), Kenjōgo I (Humble), Teichōgo (Courteous), Teineigo (Polite), and Bikago (Beautification).

How It Works

Modern Keigo is officially categorized into five types by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs in their 2007 'Guidelines for Honorifics':

  • Sonkeigo (尊敬語): Used to elevate the actions or status of the person you are talking about (the subject). You never use this for yourself. Common patterns include お/ご〜になる and the honorific passive. Many common verbs use irregular 'suppletive' forms like おっしゃる (to say).
  • Kenjōgo I (謙譲語): Humble speech used when your action is directed toward someone you respect. It lowers your status to elevate theirs. A common pattern is お/ご〜する.
  • Teichōgo (丁重語): Also known as Kenjōgo II, this is courteous speech used to show general humility to the listener, regardless of who the action is directed toward (e.g., 参る or いたす).
  • Teineigo (丁寧語): Standard polite language using the ます form and です. This is the default for speaking with strangers or acquaintances.
  • Bikago (美化語): 'Beautification' words that add a prefix like お or ご to make one's speech sound more refined (e.g., お茶（おちゃ） - green tea).

A critical concept in Keigo is Uchi-Soto (Inside-Outside). You must use humble language for members of your own 'in-group' (like your boss) when speaking to an 'out-group' member (like a client).

Examples (6)

  1. 先生はもうお帰りになりました。

    The teacher has already gone home.

    Word by Word: Teacher (topic) already return (honorific) became.

    Uses Sonkeigo (Respectful language) to elevate the teacher's action.

  2. 明日、１０時に伺います。

    I will visit (you) at 10 o'clock tomorrow.

    Word by Word: Tomorrow, 10 o'clock at visit (humble) will.

    Uses Kenjōgo I (Humble language) because the speaker's action is directed toward a superior.

  3. 私は東京に参ります。

    I am going to Tokyo.

    Word by Word: I (topic) Tokyo to go (courteous).

    Uses Teichōgo (Kenjōgo II) to show general courtesy to the listener, regardless of the destination.

  4. これは私の本です。

    This is my book.

    Word by Word: This (topic) my book is (polite).

    Uses Teineigo (Polite language) to show general respect to the listener.

  5. お茶を飲みませんか。

    Won't you have some tea?

    Word by Word: Tea (beautified) (object) drink (polite negative question)?

    Uses Bikago (Beautification) by adding the prefix 'お' to '茶（ちゃ）' to make the speech sound more refined.

  6. 少々お待ちください。

    Please wait a moment.

    Word by Word: A little wait (honorific) please.

    A standard honorific request used in service and business settings.

Common Mistakes

  • Using Sonkeigo (Respectful) for your own actions.

    私が社長におっしゃいました。
    私が社長に申し上げました。

    おっしゃる is Sonkeigo and can only be used for others. For your own speech to a superior, you must use the humble form 申す（もうす） or 申し上げる（もうしあげる）.

  • Using 'Double Honorifics' (Nijū Keigo).

    社長がおっしゃられました。
    社長がおっしゃいました。

    おっしゃる is already an honorific verb. Adding the 〜れる/られる honorific on top is redundant and technically incorrect, though common even among some native speakers.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Honorific language overviewLevel 3

Learn This First

To understand the overview of Japanese honorifics (Keigo), a learner must first be comfortable with the basic concept of politeness levels in Japanese society. Since Keigo involves modifying verbs to show respect or humility, a solid grasp of general verb concepts and the standard polite 'masu' form is essential before diving into the three specific categories: Sonkeigo, Kenjougo, and Teineigo.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

And 7 more in the full list.