Keigo Basics: Polite Japanese for Beginners

Keigo (敬語) is the system of polite and honorific language that shows respect in Japanese. It sounds intimidating, but beginners only need the basics — and you are already using keigo the moment you say です/ます.

The three levels

• Teineigo (丁寧語) — polite language (です/ます). This is what beginners use everywhere, and it is perfectly respectful.
• Sonkeigo (尊敬語) — honorific language that elevates the person you're speaking about (a customer, a boss).
• Kenjougo (謙譲語) — humble language that lowers yourself to show respect.

Where beginners start

Master です/ます first — it covers nearly all everyday polite situations. You don't need sonkeigo or kenjougo to be respectful as a learner; trying to use them too early often causes mistakes.

A few useful set phrases

• よろしくお願いします — a polite “please / nice to meet you”.
• ありがとうございます — thank you (polite).
• すみません — excuse me / sorry.
• 失礼します — “excuse me” when entering/leaving.

Why it matters

Politeness is deeply woven into Japanese culture, and using the right level builds trust and respect. Getting the basics right makes a strong impression at work and with new people.

Learn keigo gradually

As you advance toward business Japanese, sonkeigo and kenjougo become important — but at the start, polite です/ます is all you need. Mozhippattru introduces keigo at the right pace, in Tamil. Book a free demo.