Translation guide
How to express 'being formal' in Japanese, covering formal speech, formal situations, and formal attire.
The speaker wants to express that they or someone else is using formal or polite language, or that a situation requires such language.
Literally 'use honorific language'. This is the most direct and common way to say someone is being formal in speech.
He always uses formal language.
You must use formal language with superiors.
Means 'to use polite wording'. Emphasizes the careful, polite choice of words rather than strict honorifics.
Specifically refers to using the desu/masu form, the standard polite speech style. Useful when contrasting with casual speech.
Means 'to use a formal/stiff manner of speaking'. Implies a very formal, sometimes rigid, style. Often used in written contexts or official settings.
The speaker wants to describe a person's formal attitude, behavior, or the atmosphere of an event.
The speaker wants to talk about wearing formal clothes or a formal dress code.
The most common way to say 'formal attire'. Uses the loanword フォーマル.
The speaker wants to express the act of making an agreement, decision, or relationship formal or official.
Means 'to make formal/official'. Used for agreements, decisions, etc.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'to be formal'. The expression depends on what aspect of formality you mean: language, behavior, attire, or making something official. Using the wrong phrase can sound unnatural.
This literal translation is not natural Japanese.
敬語 (keigo) is the broad category of honorific language. 丁寧語 (teineigo) is polite language, mainly the desu/masu form. タメ語 (tamego) is casual speech. When talking about being formal in speech, 敬語を使う is the safest choice.
Please use polite language during the interview.
I speak to the teacher using the polite form.
At ceremonies, we use formal language.
An i-adjective meaning 'stiff, formal, ceremonious'. Often carries a slightly negative nuance of being too formal or uncomfortable.
That party was too formal/stiff.
He always has a stiff/formal attitude.
A na-adjective meaning 'formal, perfunctory, according to form'. Emphasizes following formalities without necessarily genuine feeling.
It was just a formal greeting.
Pre-noun adjectival form meaning 'formal, ceremonious, solemn'. Used to describe occasions, speech, or behavior.
I get nervous in formal settings.
A verb meaning 'to be very formal/stiff/respectful'. Often used when someone is overly formal or rigid in posture or speech.
He is very formal/stiff in front of his boss.
Please come in formal attire this evening.
Means 'formal dress, full dress'. Often used for events like weddings or ceremonies.
Please attend in formal dress.
Specifically refers to 'formal wear' as a category of clothing, such as a suit or dress for ceremonies.
There are few opportunities to wear formal wear.
Let's make the contract official.
A more technical term meaning 'to formalize'. Often used in business or legal contexts.
We need to formalize the procedure.