When speaking Japanese, using keigo (which means honorific and humble language) is really important. How you use it depends a lot on the situation and who you’re talking to. Here are some things I’ve learned about keigo:
Setting
The place you're in can change how polite you should be. For example, in a formal business meeting, I always use the highest level of keigo. But when I'm just hanging out with friends after work, I switch to a more casual way of speaking. It's important to know when to change your style.
Situation
Some special events, like weddings, require more formal language. I remember going to a wedding where the invitations were even written in keigo. But at everyday places, like a convenience store, the workers are polite too, but they don’t always use keigo since it’s just a normal situation.
Hierarchy
In Japan, the relationship between people often affects how you speak. When talking to someone in a higher position, like a boss or teacher, it's expected to use keigo. For example, “to go” changes from “行く” (iku) to “いらっしゃる” (irassharu) when using honorific language.
Familiarity
With people you're close to, like a good friend, you can skip the keigo. I have friends I talk to in a very casual way, sometimes even using slang. This makes our conversations feel relaxed, while being too formal can create some awkwardness.
Workplace
When I email clients, I use formal phrases like “御社” (onsha), which means “your company.” This shows respect and helps keep professional relationships strong.
Family
Talking to my parents is a bit different. I might use some polite words, but not as formal as keigo. I want my chats with them to feel warm and friendly, not stiff.
In short, mastering keigo is about understanding your surroundings. It’s about knowing the social rules and being aware of who you’re talking to. Language changes to fit the situation, and I’ve found that practice is really important. By embracing these differences, you can improve how you connect with others, whether in personal or work relationships.
When speaking Japanese, using keigo (which means honorific and humble language) is really important. How you use it depends a lot on the situation and who you’re talking to. Here are some things I’ve learned about keigo:
Setting
The place you're in can change how polite you should be. For example, in a formal business meeting, I always use the highest level of keigo. But when I'm just hanging out with friends after work, I switch to a more casual way of speaking. It's important to know when to change your style.
Situation
Some special events, like weddings, require more formal language. I remember going to a wedding where the invitations were even written in keigo. But at everyday places, like a convenience store, the workers are polite too, but they don’t always use keigo since it’s just a normal situation.
Hierarchy
In Japan, the relationship between people often affects how you speak. When talking to someone in a higher position, like a boss or teacher, it's expected to use keigo. For example, “to go” changes from “行く” (iku) to “いらっしゃる” (irassharu) when using honorific language.
Familiarity
With people you're close to, like a good friend, you can skip the keigo. I have friends I talk to in a very casual way, sometimes even using slang. This makes our conversations feel relaxed, while being too formal can create some awkwardness.
Workplace
When I email clients, I use formal phrases like “御社” (onsha), which means “your company.” This shows respect and helps keep professional relationships strong.
Family
Talking to my parents is a bit different. I might use some polite words, but not as formal as keigo. I want my chats with them to feel warm and friendly, not stiff.
In short, mastering keigo is about understanding your surroundings. It’s about knowing the social rules and being aware of who you’re talking to. Language changes to fit the situation, and I’ve found that practice is really important. By embracing these differences, you can improve how you connect with others, whether in personal or work relationships.