Japanese is a language that has a unique system of honorifics and politeness levels. It is important to understand and use these polite words and expressions correctly in Japanese culture, as they reflect the level of respect and formality that is expected in different situations. In this article, we will explain the basics of Japanese polite words, including their usage and example sentences.
Politeness Levels in Japanese
In Japanese, there are three main levels of politeness: casual, polite, and honorific. The level of politeness used depends on the relationship between the speaker and the listener, as well as the situation.
Casual language is used among close friends, family members, and in informal settings. Polite language is used in formal settings, such as business meetings or when speaking to someone older or in a higher position. Honorific language is used to show respect to someone who is older or in a higher position than the speaker.
Polite Words in Japanese
The following are some of the most common polite words used in Japanese:
ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you
This word is used to express gratitude and appreciation. It is important to note that there are different levels of thank you in Japanese, depending on the level of formality and politeness. For example, “Arigatou” is more casual, while “Arigatou gozaimasu” is more formal and polite.
Example sentences:
ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you (casual)
ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you very much (polite)
すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me/I’m sorry
This word is used to apologize or to get someone’s attention politely. It is also used to ask for help or directions. Similar to thank you, there are different levels of sumimasen depending on the level of politeness. “Sumimasen” is more casual, while “Sumimasen deshita” is more formal and polite.
Example sentences:
すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me (casual)
すみませんでした (Sumimasen deshita) – I’m sorry (polite)
おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning
This word is used as a greeting in the morning. It is a polite way to start a conversation or to show respect to someone you are speaking with. Similarly, there are different levels of good morning in Japanese. “Ohayou” is more casual, while “Ohayou gozaimasu” is more formal and polite.
Example sentences:
おはよう (Ohayou) – Good morning (casual)
おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning (polite)
いただきます (Itadakimasu) – Thank you for the meal
This word is used before eating to show appreciation for the food and the effort put into making it. It is a polite way to express gratitude towards the person who prepared the meal. It is important to note that this word is also used in more formal settings, such as business meetings, to express gratitude towards the host.
Example sentences:
いただきます (Itadakimasu) – Thank you for the meal (casual)
いただきます、ありがとうございます (Itadakimasu, arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you for the meal (polite)
Honorific Words in Japanese
Honorific words are used to show respect to someone who is older or in a higher position than the speaker. There are many honorific words in Japanese, and they are used in a variety of situations.
さん (San) – Mr./Ms.
This honorific is used after someone’s name to show respect. It is similar to using “Mr.” or “Ms.” in English. It can be used for both men and women.
Example sentences:
山田さん (Yamada-san) – Mr./Ms. Yamada (polite)
先生 (Sensei) – Teacher
This honorific is used after someone’s name to show respect for their profession or status as a teacher. It is commonly used in schools or when referring to someone who is an expert in a certain field.
Example sentences:
田中先生 (Tanaka-sensei) – Teacher Tanaka (polite)
様 (Sama) – Sir/Madam
This honorific is used to show the highest level of respect. It is similar to using “Sir” or “Madam” in English. It is often used in formal settings or when speaking to someone of high status or authority.
Example sentences:
山本様 (Yamamoto-sama) – Sir/Madam Yamamoto (very polite)
ごめんください (Gomen kudasai) – Excuse me
This honorific is used when asking for permission to enter someone’s home or office. It is a polite way to show respect for the other person’s property and space.
Example sentences:
ごめんください (Gomen kudasai) – Excuse me (polite)
Using Polite Words in Japanese
It is important to understand when and how to use polite words in Japanese. As mentioned earlier, the level of politeness used depends on the situation and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.
In general, when speaking with someone who is older or in a higher position than you, it is important to use polite language. This includes using honorifics when addressing the person, as well as using polite expressions like “Arigatou gozaimasu” and “Sumimasen deshita.”
On the other hand, when speaking with friends or family members, it is more appropriate to use casual language. This includes using the casual forms of “Thank you” and “Excuse me,” as well as dropping honorifics when addressing someone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Japanese polite words and honorifics are an important part of the language and culture. They reflect the level of respect and formality that is expected in different situations. It is important to understand when and how to use these words correctly in order to communicate effectively and show respect towards others. By using the examples and guidelines provided in this article, you can start to incorporate polite words and honorifics into your Japanese language skills.
Below are japanese categories of polite words
GREETINGS
There are many different Japanese greetings, and the appropriate one to use will depend on the situation and the relationship between the speakers. Here are some common Japanese greetings:
こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello/Good afternoon
おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning
こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
お元気ですか？ (Ogenki desu ka?) – How are you?
ごきげんよう (Gokigenyou) – Formal greeting, similar to “good day”
いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase) – Welcome (usually used in shops or restaurants)
ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you very much
すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me/I’m sorry
失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu) – Excuse me/I’m sorry (used when leaving or interrupting)
さようなら (Sayounara) – Goodbye
おやすみなさい (Oyasumi nasai) – Good night (used when going to bed)
ただいま (Tadaima) – I’m home (used when returning home)
お帰りなさい (Okaeri nasai) – Welcome home (used to greet someone returning home)
いってきます (Ittekimasu) – I’m off (used when leaving home)
いってらっしゃい (Itterasshai) – Have a good trip (used to see someone off)
EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE
ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you
ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you very much
どうもありがとう (Doumo arigatou) – Thank you so much
どうもありがとうございます (Doumo arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you very much indeed
お礼を申し上げます (Orei o moushiagemasu) – I express my gratitude
ご親切にありがとうございます (Goshinsetsu ni arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you for your kindness
お心遣いありがとうございます (Okokorozukai arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you for your thoughtfulness
感謝いたします (Kansha itashimasu) – I am grateful
お恵みいただきありがとうございます (Megumi itadaki arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you for your grace
お世話になりました (Osewa ni narimashita) – Thank you for your help/support (used after the fact)
APOLOGIES
ごめんなさい (gomennasai) – I’m sorry
許してください (yurushite kudasai) – Please forgive me
申し訳ありません (moushiwake arimasen) – I apologize
すみません (sumimasen) – Excuse me/I’m sorry
お詫び申し上げます (owabi moushiagemasu) – I apologize (formal)
お詫び申し上げる (owabi moushiageru) – I apologize (formal)
謝罪します (shazai shimasu) – I apologize (formal)
申し訳ございません (moushiwake gozaimasen) – I apologize (formal/polite)
失礼いたしました (shitsurei itashimashita) – I’m sorry (formal/polite)
反省しております (hansei shite orimasu) – I reflect on my actions and apologize (formal/polite)
POLITE REQUESTS
お願いします (Onegaishimasu) – Please
お願いいたします (Onegai itashimasu) – I humbly request
お願いできますか？ (Onegaidekimasuka?) – Can you please?
お手数をおかけしますが (Otesū o okake shimasuga) – I’m sorry to trouble you, but…
申し訳ございませんが (Mōshiwake gozaimasen ga) – I’m sorry, but…
すみませんが (Sumimasen ga) – Excuse me, but…
ちょっとお願いがあるんですが (Chotto onegaiga arun desu ga) – I have a small request…
お時間をいただけますでしょうか (Ojikan o itadakemasu deshō ka) – Could I have a moment of your time?
お手数ですが (Otesū desu ga) – I’m sorry to trouble you, but…
どうかお願いします (Dōka onegaishimasu) – Please, I beg you.
POLITE REFUSALS
申し訳ありませんが、それはできません。(Moushi wake arimasen ga, sore wa dekimasen.) – I’m sorry, but I can’t do that.
今はちょっと難しいです。(Ima wa chotto muzukashii desu.) – It’s a little difficult right now.
ごめんなさい、お断りさせていただきます。(Gomen nasai, o-kotowari sasete itadakimasu.) – I’m sorry, but I must decline.
それはちょっと・・・。(Sore wa chotto…) – That’s a little…
今回はお断りせざるを得ません。(Konkai wa o-kotowari sezaru o eteimasen.) – I have no choice but to decline this time.
申し訳ございませんが、今回はご遠慮させていただきます。(Moushiwake gozaimasen ga, konkai wa go-enryo sasete itadakimasu.) – I’m sorry, but I have to decline this time.
残念ですが、今回はご縁がないようです。(Zannen desu ga, konkai wa go-en ga nai you desu.) – Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like it’s meant to be this time.
お誘いいただき、ありがとうございますが、今回はお断りさせていただきます。(O-sasoi itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu ga, konkai wa o-kotowari sasete itadakimasu.) – Thank you for inviting me, but I have to decline this time.
ご期待に沿えず、申し訳ありませんがお断りさせていただきます。(Go-kitai ni soezu, moushi wake arimasen ga o-kotowari sasete itadakimasu.) – I’m sorry, but I can’t meet your expectations and have to decline.
申し訳ありませんが、今回は参加できないことになりました。(Moushi wake arimasen ga, konkai wa sanka dekinai koto ni narimashita.) – I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to participate this time.
AGREEMENT
はい (Hai) – Yes
そうですね (Sō desu ne) – That’s right / I agree
そうだね (Sō da ne) – That’s right / I agree
いいですね (Ii desu ne) – That’s good / That’s great
いいですよ (Ii desu yo) – That’s fine / That’s good
ええ (Ee) – Yes / That’s right
その通りです (Sono tōri desu) – That’s exactly right / That’s spot on
そのとおり (Sono tōri) – That’s right / That’s exactly right
了解です (Ryōkai desu) – Understood / Roger that
分かりました (Wakarimashita) – I understand
FAREWELLS
さようなら (Sayonara) – Goodbye
またね (Mata ne) – See you later
ではまた (Dewa mata) – See you again
それでは (Sore de wa) – Well then
お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu) – Excuse me for leaving before you
行ってきます (Ittekimasu) – I’ll go and come back
ただいま (Tadaima) – I’m back
おかえりなさい (Okaerinasai) – Welcome back
お疲れ様でした (Otsukaresama deshita) – Thank you for your hard work
ごきげんよう (Gokigenyou) – Goodbye (formal)
ごきげんだったらまた (Gokigen dattara mata) – If you’re feeling good, let’s see each other again
じゃあね (Jaa ne) – See you later (casual)
また後でね (Mata ato de ne) – See you later
ではまた別の機会に (Dewa mata betsu no kikai ni) – See you at another opportunity
さよならばかり (Sayonara bakari) – Just goodbye (implying you will never meet again)
BLESSINGS
おめでとうございます (omedetou gozaimasu) – Congratulations!
幸運を祈ります (kouun wo inorimasu) – I pray for your good fortune.
ご多幸をお祈りいたします (go-takou wo oinori itashimasu) – I pray for your happiness and prosperity.
ご健康をお祈りいたします (go-kenkou wo oinori itashimasu) – I pray for your good health.
お幸せに (o-shiawase ni) – Be happy.
祝福を送ります (shukufuku wo okurimasu) – I send you my blessings.
恵まれた人生を過ごしてください (megumareta jinsei wo sugoshite kudasai) – Have a blessed life.
神のご加護がありますように (kami no gokago ga arimasu you ni) – May God bless you.
心から幸せになってください (kokoro kara shiawase ni natte kudasai) – Please be happy from the bottom of your heart.
長寿と幸福を祈ります (chouju to koufuku wo inorimasu) – I pray for your long life and happiness.
Originally posted 2023-07-18 00:16:51.