お・
お and ご are added before selected words to make them more polite or respectful. In some familiar expressions, they simply give the word a polished or refined tone.
Choosing the prefix
A useful first tendency is that native-Japanese words often take お, while words formed from Chinese-derived readings often take ご. This is not a rule you can apply mechanically, however. The natural choice is controlled by established usage, so learn common prefixed words as complete vocabulary.
Respectful reference
A prefix can show consideration toward the listener or toward someone being spoken about.
Polished everyday wording
Not every prefix directly honors a person. With food, drinks, and familiar everyday items, the prefix may simply make the expression sound polished. This is often called beautifying language.
冬は温かいお茶がおいしいです。
Hot tea is delicious in winter.
AnalyzeThe prefix gives the familiar drink name a polished form; it is not showing respect to an owner.
A practical learning guide
Swipe sideways to compare every column.
| Pattern | Typical examples | How to learn it |
|---|---|---|
| Common tendency with native-Japanese words | お名前・お水 | Expect お, but confirm the actual word. |
| Common tendency with Sino-Japanese words | ご家族・ご意見 | Expect ご, but confirm the actual word. |
| Established exception | お電話 | Memorize the whole combination rather than changing it to match the tendency. |
A prefixed noun is not a complete respectful verb pattern
In a word such as お名前, the prefix belongs directly to the noun. A form such as お帰りになる is instead a complete respectful verb construction; the prefix is only one part of it.
More examples
ここにお名前を書いてください。
Please write your name here.
Analyzeご家族はお元気ですか。
Is your family well?
Analyzeお電話、ありがとうございました。
Thank you for calling.
AnalyzeThis common service expression contains an established お combination.
この店のお菓子は人気があります。
The sweets from this shop are popular.
Analyzeご意見を聞かせてください。
Please tell me your opinion.
Analyzeお荷物はこちらです。
Your luggage is here.
Analyze