Introduction to Keigo, Polite Language

Submitted by admin on Sun, 07/27/2008 - 09:34

Let's look at Honorific Japanese:

There are actually several types of Honorific Japanese. Today, we will take a look at words used to exalt the person being spoken to.

First let's look at the words you will say to your boss or to anyone you respect. (to exalt--said to someone on higher than you)

Regular	Honorific	Examples & Explanation:
見る (miru) to see	ご覧になる (go ran ni naru)	You will hear this a lot in stores and on TV. It is used to politely get someone to look at something. 先生、これをご覧になって下さい。 sensei, kore o goran ni natte kudasai Teacher, please look at this.
行く (iku) to go 来る (kuru) to come いる (iru) to be	いらっしゃる (irassharu)	You can't escape this one. Every supermarket, mall or store has someone yelling a form of this at you! Thanks for coming! いらしゃいー！ irashai-! Welcome! Or when speaking to a superior, you may ask: あした、いらっしゃいますか？ ashita, irasshaimasu ka? Will you (still) be here/there tomorrow?
食べる (taberu) to eat 飲む (nomu) to drink	召し上がる (meshiagaru)	The McDonald's bag has this scribbled on it. It was a very polite french fry! なっとうを召し上がってください。 nattou o meshiagatte kudasai Please eat the natto.
言う (iu) to say	おっしゃる (ossharu)	おっしゃったとおり osshata toori It is just as you said. (I agree with you)