When is keigo (polite Japanese) used?
In short
Good to knowKeigo is polite language used towards customers, superiors and people you meet for the first time. As a visitor, plain polite forms ("desu/masu") or English convey your intentions perfectly well.
When does this apply?
Shop and hotel staff use keigo with customers. "Irasshaimase" (welcome) is one example, and customers do not need to reply. There are respectful forms that elevate the other person’s actions and humble forms that lower your own.
Why?
Choosing words to fit the relationship and situation is a feature of Japanese. Keigo is also said to make clear who is doing an action.
What to do
- Use "desu/masu" forms for polite Japanese
- Learn basic phrases such as "arigato gozaimasu" and "sumimasen"
- Take cues from how the other person speaks
Better to avoid
- Worry so much about keigo mistakes that you stop speaking
Exceptions and differences
Among friends and family, people normally do not use keigo. Visitors who cannot speak perfect keigo are almost never considered rude.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
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Sources
- Japan's Honorific Language About More Than Manners(opens in a new tab)
- Japan Shopping Guide: How to Shop(opens in a new tab)
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