Translation guide
In Japanese, being courteous is deeply tied to politeness levels, indirectness, and social harmony. This guide covers how to express courteous behavior, speech, and attitude naturally.
Describing a person or their behavior as polite, well-mannered, and showing respect.
The most common word for 'polite' or 'courteous', used for both language and behavior.
彼はとても丁寧な言葉遣いをする。
He uses very courteous language.
丁寧な対応に感謝します。
I appreciate your courteous response.
Emphasizes proper manners and etiquette; often used for people who are well-bred and courteous.
彼女はとても礼儀正しい人だ。
She is a very courteous person.
Very polite, sometimes excessively so; can imply formal courtesy that may feel distant.
慇懃な態度で接する。
To treat someone with elaborate courtesy.
Showing courtesy through humility, often by lowering oneself or one's actions.
Means 'humble' and is often associated with courteous modesty.
彼の謙虚な態度が好印象を与えた。
His courteous and humble attitude made a good impression.
Refers to speaking or acting modestly, often as a form of courtesy.
Being thoughtful and considerate, avoiding inconvenience to others.
Means 'consideration' or 'thoughtfulness', a key aspect of Japanese courtesy.
彼の思いやりのある行動に感動した。
I was touched by his courteous and considerate behavior.
To be attentive and considerate, often used for courteous actions that show care for others' feelings.
Expressing courtesy through honorific or humble speech.
Using keigo (polite language) is the most direct way to be courteous in Japanese. This includes 丁寧語 (polite), 尊敬語 (honorific), and 謙譲語 (humble) forms.
お客様には敬語を使うのが礼儀です。
It is courteous to use polite language with customers.
A very polite form of 'です', used in formal customer service.
お手洗いはこちらでございます。
The restroom is this way, sir/madam. (very courteous)
Describing courteousness that is graceful and sophisticated.
Means 'elegant' or 'graceful', often implying courteous refinement.
彼女の優雅な振る舞いはとても礼儀正しい。
Her elegant behavior is very courteous.
Refined, classy; often used for courteous and polished manners.
While 丁寧 and 礼儀正しい are common, Japanese often expresses courteousness through verbs and set phrases rather than adjectives. For example, instead of 'He was courteous,' you might say 'He spoke politely' (丁寧に話した) or 'He showed consideration' (気を遣った).
In Japanese, being courteous often means being indirect. Using softer expressions like 〜かもしれません (it might be...) or 〜ていただけませんか (could you possibly...) is more courteous than direct statements.
彼は誰に対しても礼儀正しい。
He is always courteous to everyone.
丁寧な返事
A courteous reply
彼女は丁寧にお辞儀をした。
She gave a courteous bow.
謙遜して自分の功績をあまり話さない。
He is courteously modest and doesn't talk much about his achievements.
彼女はいつも周りに気を遣っている。
She is always courteously attentive to those around her.
上品な言葉遣いを心がけている。
I try to use courteous and refined language.