How to Be Polite in Japanese
In Japan, politeness is deeply ingrained in the culture and is considered a fundamental aspect of social interactions. The Japanese language has various levels of politeness, which are used depending on the context and the relationship between the speakers. Understanding and applying these politeness levels is crucial for anyone hoping to communicate effectively and respectfully in Japan. This article will guide you through some essential tips on how to be polite in Japanese.
Use Keigo (敬語)
Keigo is a form of polite speech in Japanese that involves changing the verb endings to show respect. There are three main types of keigo: teineigo (尊敬語), sonkeigo (謙譲語), and kenjogo (丁寧語).
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Teineigo
is used to show respect to someone’s status or position. For example, when addressing someone older or in a higher position, you would use teineigo.
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Sonkeigo
is used to show respect to the subject of the conversation. This can be seen in phrases like “anata” (あなた) for “you,” which becomes “anata-sama” (あなた様) when using sonkeigo.
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Kenjogo
is a general form of polite speech that can be used in most situations. It is less formal than teineigo and sonkeigo but still conveys respect.
Use Honorific Titles
In Japan, it is common to use honorific titles when addressing someone. These titles are often combined with the person’s name or position. Some examples include:
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San
(先生) – used for teachers, doctors, and other professionals.
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Sama
(様) – used for people of higher status or whom you want to show respect.
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Chan
(ちゃん) – used among friends or close acquaintances.
Use Polite Verbs and Adjectives
In Japanese, there are polite forms of verbs and adjectives that you should use to show respect. For example:
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Taberu
(食べる) – to eat
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Tabemasu
(食べます) – polite form of “taberu”
When using polite verbs and adjectives, make sure to conjugate them correctly according to the subject and context.
Be Mindful of Your Tone
In addition to using the correct words and phrases, being mindful of your tone is also important. In Japanese, the tone of your voice can convey different levels of politeness. Speak softly and clearly to show respect and sincerity.
Learn Common Phrases
There are several common phrases in Japanese that can help you be polite in various situations. Some examples include:
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Arigatou gozaimasu
(ありがとうございます) – thank you
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Sumimasen
(すみません) – excuse me
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Osoremasen
(お邪魔します) – I apologize for the inconvenience
By incorporating these tips into your daily interactions, you will be well on your way to being polite in Japanese. Remember that politeness is key to building strong relationships and being well-received in Japan.
