Keigo — Honorific Japanese
Keigo (敬語, literally "respectful language") is the system of honorific speech in Japanese. It is a fundamental part of adult Japanese communication — used in business, service industries, formal settings, and any interaction where social hierarchy matters. JLPT N2 requires recognition of keigo patterns; N1 requires deeper understanding. The Three Levels of Keigo Level Japanese Purpose When to use Teineigo 丁寧語 Polite language Standard polite speech with strangers, acquaintances Sonkeigo...