One of the most interesting, yet challenging, aspects of the Japanese language is the use of different politeness levels. Depending on the social situation and who you’re talking to, you’ll need to adapt how you speak to reflect appropriate respect and relationship dynamics. In this blog, we’ll explore the three main levels of politeness: 敬語 (keigo), 普通 (futsuu), and タメ語 (tamego), including when and why to use each.

1. 敬語けいご (Keigo) — Honorific Speech

敬語けいご (keigo) is the most formal level of speech in Japanese. It’s used to show respect, especially when speaking to superiors, clients, or strangers. Keigo is typically divided into two main categories: 尊敬語そんけいご (sonkeigo) for showing respect towards the listener, and 謙譲語そんけいご (kenjoogo) for humbling oneself or one’s group.

For example:

• When speaking to your boss: “ご連絡れんらくさせて頂いただきました。” (I have contacted you.)
• When addressing a customer: “お待またせいいたしました。” (Thank you for waiting.)

Keigo is an essential skill for any professional environment, formal gathering, or situation where you are speaking to someone of higher social standing. Using keigo conveys that you respect the person you’re speaking to, making it an important part of Japanese business etiquette and polite conversation.

2. 普通ふつう (Futsuu) — Standard/Neutral Speech

普通ふつう (futsuu), or standard speech, is used in most everyday conversations. It is neither overly formal nor particularly casual, making it suitable for interacting with acquaintances, coworkers you are familiar with, or people you meet in a neutral setting.

This form of speech doesn’t require the complexities of keigo but still remains respectful. It’s ideal for conversations where a balance is needed—you don’t want to be too informal, but keigo might feel a little over the top.

For example:

• To a coworker: “今日きょうの会議かいぎに出でるって言いいましたよ。” (I said I’d join today’s meeting.)

This neutral level is also what many language learners start with, as it forms the foundation for building familiarity in Japanese conversations without worrying about using the wrong politeness level in most casual contexts.

3. タメ語 ご(Tamego) — Casual Speech

タメ語ご (tamego), also known as casual speech, is the level of speech used among close friends, family, and people with whom you share a strong sense of familiarity. In this form, all formalities are dropped, and the language becomes more direct. You can omit particles, use contractions, and generally be more relaxed in how you express yourself.

For example:

• To a friend: “明日何あしたなにする？” (What are you doing tomorrow?)
• To a sibling: “これ見みた？めっちゃ面白おもしろいよ。” (Did you see this? It’s super funny.)

Tamego is a great way to express closeness and warmth, but it’s important to be careful when and with whom you use it. Using this level of speech with someone you just met or a person older than you could come off as rude, so it’s crucial to reserve it for appropriate relationships.

How to Navigate Politeness Levels

It can feel intimidating to navigate these different levels of politeness, especially if you’re just starting out with Japanese. However, understanding these distinctions is key to mastering the nuances of Japanese culture and relationships.

Here are some tips to guide you:

• Default to Keigo or Futsuu in Unfamiliar Situations: If you’re not sure what level of politeness to use, start with keigo or futsuu. It’s always better to be overly polite than to risk offending someone by being too casual.
• Mirror Your Conversation Partner: Pay attention to how others are speaking to you. If someone shifts from keigo to futsuu, it might be okay for you to do the same.
• Practice Switching Levels: Try practicing with Japanese friends or teachers in safe settings. Learning when to switch between futsuu and tamego, or even when to use keigo, can be a lot easier with feedback from native speakers.

Conclusion

Understanding and using different politeness levels in Japanese—敬語けいご, 普通ふつう, and タメ語ご—is essential for navigating Japanese social situations appropriately. Whether you’re in a business meeting, chatting with a coworker, or catching up with a close friend, knowing when to switch your speech style helps you convey the right tone and build strong relationships. Remember, language is not only about words; it’s also about the relationships you build and the respect you show through those words.

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