Goryoushin wa ogenki desuka?
Honorific expressions in Japanese are mainly divided into three categories: “Teinei-form,” “Sonkei-form,” and “Kenjou-form.” In this lesson, you will learn about the “Teinei-form.”
“Teinei” is a more polite and refined version of basic speech. It is a neutral and courteous way of speaking, often used in everyday conversations where politeness is required, but not excessive formality. For instance, “…degozaimasu” is a more polite version of “…desu.” While “desu” is used in regular situations, “degozaimasu” is reserved for more formal settings, such as customer service or formal speeches, and is not used casually.
The “Teinei-form” generally involves using long forms at the end of sentences, giving a softer and more respectful tone. Additionally, politeness can be expressed through certain polite nouns and adjectives, which further enhance the level of respect and formality in your speech.
Noun and adjective in Teinei-form
In Japanese, you can add “o” or “go” before certain nouns to make them more polite, but not all nouns follow this rule. Generally, “o” is used for words with Japanese roots, while “go” is used for words of kanji-based vocabulary.
okane (kane) = money
osushi (sushi) = sushi
oshigoto (shigoto) = work
okaeri (kaeri) = returning home
okaimono (kaimono) = shopping
goshitsumon (shitsumon) = question
goryoushin (ryoushin) = parents
When it comes to noun-adjectives, “o” and “go” are applied to words that relate to conditions or attributes of the people you encounter, often reflecting respect or consideration.
ogenki (genki) = fine
goshinpai (shinpai) = worry
goteinei (teinei) = polite
When and where to use
The “teinei-form” is used in situations that require basic politeness. It strikes a balance between casual and formal language. Here’s when to use it:
1. With Strangers or Acquaintances
In daily interactions, like in shops or with people you don’t know well, “teinei-form” shows respect.
2. At Work with Superiors
When speaking casually to superiors or clients, “teinei-form” maintains politeness.
3. Public and Service Interactions
Use it in service settings, like at stores or restaurants.
4. Emails and Letters
It’s common in polite or business emails.
5. Public Speaking
It’s neutral and polite for speeches or announcements.
When not to use
Close friends or family:
If you’re with close friends or family members, especially in informal settings, using casual (short) forms is more natural.
Formal situations requiring honorifics (Sonkei-form):
When speaking to high-ranking officials, in very formal business meetings, or to people deserving extra respect, you’ll need to use honorific forms like “Sonkei-form” (respectful language) or “Kenjou-form” (humble language).
What is “futsuu” (normal)? Isn’t that polite?
The “teinei-form” (polite form) is a more polite and refined version of the “futsuu-form” (normal form). While the “futsuu-form” uses short forms at the end of sentences, it is important to note that these short forms are not considered polite. So, is the “futsuu-form” polite? The answer is no, if it appears at the end of the sentences.
When using short forms at the end of sentences, the tone is more casual and informal. It’s commonly used in everyday conversations with close friends, family members, or people with whom you have a relaxed relationship. However, this form is not appropriate for situations where respect or formality is required, such as when talking to strangers, superiors, or in professional settings.
The “futsuu-form” is also frequently used in written narratives like novels or storytelling because it reflects a more natural, conversational style without the need for excessive politeness. Since it’s not a direct conversation with the reader, the casual tone works well for character dialogue and descriptions.