敬語
Meanings
1
honorific language; polite speech; keigo
Linguistic term for the Japanese system of respectful, humble, and polite language. Covers 尊敬語, 謙譲語, and 丁寧語.
If you study Japanese, you can't avoid keigo.
It's important to use correct honorific language in an interview.
Usage patterns
- 敬語を使うto use honorific language
Please always use polite language with customers.
- 敬語で〈動詞〉to speak/do something in honorific language
It's normal to speak to teachers using honorific language.
- 敬語が苦手だto be bad at using honorific language
I'm bad at keigo and often make mistakes.
- 敬語を身につけるto master/acquire honorific language
New employees need to master honorific language soon after joining the company.