Translation guide
Japanese has a complex system of honorific language (敬語, keigo) used to show respect, politeness, or social distance. This guide covers the main types and how to use them naturally.
To elevate the subject (the person performing the action) to show respect.
A common pattern for forming respectful verbs. Use with verbs that have a stem.
先生はもうお帰りになりました。
The teacher has already gone home.
The passive form can be used as a less direct respectful form, common in formal speech.
社長はもう帰られました。
The company president has already gone home.
Honorific verb for 'to go', 'to come', 'to be'. Used for respected persons.
先生は教室にいらっしゃいます。
The teacher is in the classroom.
Honorific verb for 'to eat' or 'to drink'.
どうぞ召し上がってください。
Please eat/drink.
To lower the speaker's own actions, thereby showing respect to the listener or the person affected.
A common pattern for humble verbs when the action is directed toward a respected person.
お荷物をお持ちします。
I'll carry your luggage.
Humble verb for 'to visit' or 'to ask'.
明日、先生のお宅に伺います。
I will visit the teacher's home tomorrow.
Humble verb for 'to say' or 'to be called'. Used when referring to oneself.
To show politeness to the listener, regardless of the subject.
The basic polite form used in most formal and everyday polite situations.
これは本です。
This is a book.
明日学校に行きます。
I will go to school tomorrow.
Extra polite form of 'ある' (to be). Used in formal business settings.
お手洗いはあちらにございます。
The restroom is over there. (very polite)
How to decide which honorific level to use based on social context.
Use humble language for your own actions when talking to someone outside your group. Use respectful language for the other person's actions.
部長はただいま外出しております。
The department manager is currently out. (humble for in-group member to outsider)
When in doubt, use です・ます form. It's safe and polite in most situations.
すみません、駅はどこですか。
Excuse me, where is the station?
Using too many honorifics can sound sarcastic or create unnecessary distance. In casual settings, plain forms are more natural.
コーヒー、飲む？
Want some coffee? (casual)
Respectful language (尊敬語) raises the subject; humble language (謙譲語) lowers the speaker. Mixing them up can be rude.
先生がおっしゃった。
The teacher said. (respectful)
私が申しました。
I said. (humble)
My name is Tanaka. (humble)