Language isn’t just about communication—it’s a mirror of culture. In Japanese, social structure is deeply embedded in everyday speech. The way people speak to each other can reveal their social standing, age, job, and relationship. This system is called keigo (敬語)—a complex web of honorific and humble forms that maintains harmony and respect.

1. Levels of Politeness in Japanese

Japanese has three main levels of politeness:

• Teineigo (丁寧語) – Polite language
  → Used with strangers, customers, or in formal situations
  → Example: 「行きます」(ikimasu – to go)
• Sonkeigo (尊敬語) – Respectful language
  → Elevates the subject (often a superior or customer)
  → Example: 「いらっしゃいます」(irasshaimasu – to go/come/be [honorific])
• Kenjōgo (謙譲語) – Humble language
  → Lowers the speaker to show humility
  → Example: 「参ります」(mairimasu – to go/come [humble])

2. Why This Matters in Japanese Society

Japanese society is traditionally hierarchical. Language reflects roles like:

• Senpai/kōhai (senior/junior) in school or work
• Customer/service provider dynamics
• Age and familial status

Misusing keigo isn’t just awkward—it can be disrespectful. For instance, a new employee must use kenjōgo when talking about themselves and sonkeigo when referring to a manager.

3. How Other Languages Handle Hierarchy

While Japanese has one of the most complex honorific systems, it’s not alone:

• Korean also uses multiple speech levels.
  → Example:
  • Polite: 갑니다 (gamnida – I go)
  • Casual: 가 (ga – go)
• Spanish uses usted (formal) vs. tú (informal).
  → Example:
  • Formal: ¿Cómo está usted?
  • Informal: ¿Cómo estás?
• German uses Sie (formal) vs. du (informal).
  → Example:
  • Formal: Wie heißen Sie?
  • Informal: Wie heißt du?
• English, in contrast, has very limited built-in hierarchy. Most politeness is expressed through word choice and tone rather than grammar.

Japanese doesn’t just speak—it bows. The structure of the language reflects the structure of society, making it essential to understand social cues to speak it correctly. Whether you’re learning Japanese or exploring cultural linguistics, keigo reveals how language can encode respect, rank, and relationship.