Grammar

Japanese Keigo: Honorific Language Reference

敬N3–N1

Keigo (敬語) is the Japanese system of honorific speech. It has three registers: 尊敬語 (sonkeigo — elevating others), 謙譲語 (kenjōgo — humbling yourself), and 丁寧語 (teineigo — general politeness).

The three types of keigo

尊敬語 (respectful language) elevates the subject — used when talking about or to superiors. 謙譲語 (humble language) lowers the speaker — used when talking about your own actions toward superiors. 丁寧語 (polite language) is neutral politeness (です/ます) — used in most formal situations.

先生がいらっしゃいます。(尊敬語)せんせいがいらっしゃいます。The teacher is here. (いる → いらっしゃる, elevating the teacher)

私がご説明いたします。(謙譲語)わたしがごせつめいいたします。I will explain. (する → いたす, humbling myself)

明日来ます。(丁寧語)あしたきます。I will come tomorrow. (neutral polite)

Essential irregular keigo verb pairs

The most important irregular keigo verbs: いる→いらっしゃる (sonkei) / おる (kenjo). する→なさる (sonkei) / いたす (kenjo). 言う→おっしゃる (sonkei) / 申す (kenjo). 食べる/飲む→召し上がる (sonkei) / いただく (kenjo). 行く/来る→いらっしゃる (sonkei) / 参る (kenjo). もらう→(sonkei: none) / いただく (kenjo). あげる→(sonkei: none) / 差し上げる (kenjo). くれる→くださる (sonkei). 見る→ご覧になる (sonkei) / 拝見する (kenjo). 知っている→ご存知です (sonkei) / 存じております (kenjo).

部長はもうご覧になりましたか？ぶちょうはもうごらんになりましたか？Has the department head already seen it? (見る→ご覧になる)

資料を拝見いたしました。しりょうをはいけんいたしました。I have reviewed the materials. (見る→拝見する + する→いたす)

Common mistakes

Wrong

先生がいただきました (describing teacher eating)

Right

先生が召し上がりました

いただく is humble — it lowers the subject. Never use humble forms for someone you are respecting.

Wrong

ご説明いたします for equal/lower status

Right

Use ご説明いたします only with superiors

Keigo used with peers or subordinates sounds stiff or even sarcastic. Context and social hierarchy determine which register to use.

Wrong

Combining sonkei verb for yourself

Right

Choose one register per clause — sonkei for others, kenjo for yourself

Never use 尊敬語 (sonkei) when describing your own actions. おっしゃる is for the other person's speech; 申す is for your own.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 尊敬語 and 謙譲語?

尊敬語 elevates the subject you are talking about or to (your boss, a customer, a teacher). 謙譲語 lowers yourself when describing your own actions directed at that person. Both show respect — but in opposite directions.

Do I need keigo for JLPT?

Keigo appears from N3 onward. N3 tests basic polite expressions. N2 tests 尊敬語/謙譲語 distinctions. N1 tests nuanced keigo usage in business writing and speeches.