One of the fascinating aspects of the Japanese language is the variety of politeness levels employed in speech and writing. These levels serve to convey respect, politeness, and humility, and are integral to understanding and navigating Japanese social and professional situations. In this guide, we’ll explain the different levels of politeness in Japanese, including plain, polite, and humble forms, with examples of each.
I. Politeness Levels in Japanese
There are three primary politeness levels in Japanese: plain form (also called dictionary form), polite form (also called ます-form or masu-form), and humble form (also called 謙譲語 or kenjōgo). Each form has its own usage rules and contexts, which we’ll explore in the following sections.
A. Plain Form (Dictionary Form)
The plain form, also known as the dictionary form, is the most basic level of politeness in Japanese. This form is used in casual situations, such as talking with close friends, family members, or people of the same age or social status. The plain form is also commonly used in written language, such as novels, manga, and online forums.
Verbs: Plain form verbs are the base forms that you find in dictionaries. They typically end in an う-sound (e.g., る, く, す, etc.).
Example 1:
English: I eat sushi.
Japanese: 寿司を食べる。
Romanization: Sushi o taberu.
Adjectives: Both い-adjectives and な-adjectives can be used in their basic forms in plain speech.
Example 2:
English: She is beautiful.
Japanese: 彼女はきれいだ。
Romanization: Kanojo wa kirei da.
B. Polite Form (ます-form)
The polite form, also known as ます-form, is used in more formal situations, such as speaking with superiors, strangers, or acquaintances. This form is essential for showing respect and courtesy in Japanese society, and is often the first form taught to learners of the language.
Verbs: To create the polite form of a verb, replace the plain form’s う-sound with ます (masu).
Example 3:
English: I eat sushi.
Japanese: 寿司を食べます。
Romanization: Sushi o tabemasu.
Adjectives: For い-adjectives, replace い (i) with いです (idesu). For な-adjectives, simply add です (desu) at the end.
Example 4:
English: She is beautiful.
Japanese: 彼女はきれいです。
Romanization: Kanojo wa kirei desu.
C. Humble Form (謙譲語, kenjōgo)
The humble form, also known as 謙譲語 (kenjōgo), is used to express humility or to show respect towards someone of higher social status, such as a boss, teacher, or customer. This form often involves using special verb conjugations or alternative vocabulary.
Verbs: To create the humble form of a verb, you often replace the verb with a humble alternative, such as using いただく (itadaku) instead of 食べる (taberu) for “to eat.”
Example 5:
English: I (humbly) eat sushi.
Japanese: 寿司をいただきます。
Romanization: Sushi o itadakimasu.
Adjectives
: For adjectives, the humble form is not commonly used as it is with verbs. Instead, you can use polite expressions or phrasing to convey humility.
Example 6:
English: She is (very) beautiful.
Japanese: 彼女は大変きれいです。
Romanization: Kanojo wa taihen kirei desu.
II. Navigating Politeness Levels in Various Situations
A. Formal Settings
In formal settings, such as business meetings, interviews, or speaking with elders, it’s essential to use the polite form (ます-form) and humble form (謙譲語). This demonstrates respect and professionalism.
B. Casual Settings
In casual settings, such as talking with friends, family members, or peers, you can use the plain form (dictionary form). This form is more relaxed and informal.
C. Written Language
In written language, the appropriate politeness level depends on the context and audience. For formal documents, letters, or emails, use the polite form (ます-form) and humble form (謙譲語). In informal written communication, such as texting friends or posting on social media, the plain form (dictionary form) is appropriate.
III. Tips for Mastering Politeness Levels
Familiarize Yourself with Common Humble Expressions: Some verbs have specific humble equivalents that you should learn and practice. For example, いただく (itadaku) for “to eat” and おる (oru) for “to be” are humble alternatives to the more common verbs.
Observe Native Speakers: Listen to and observe native speakers in various situations to better understand when and how to use different politeness levels. Watching Japanese TV shows, movies, or YouTube videos can be an excellent resource.
Practice Switching Between Forms: To become comfortable with the different politeness levels, practice converting verbs and adjectives between the plain, polite, and humble forms. This will help you become more adept at navigating various social situations.
When in Doubt, Be Polite: If you’re unsure of which politeness level to use, it’s generally safer to use the polite form (ます-form) to avoid unintentionally causing offense or discomfort.
Conclusion
Understanding and mastering politeness levels in Japanese is crucial for effective communication and fostering positive relationships in both personal and professional settings. By familiarizing yourself with the plain, polite, and humble forms, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the nuances of Japanese speech and writing.
As you continue to learn and practice Japanese, make an effort to incorporate these politeness levels into your studies and observe native speakers to gain a deeper understanding of their usage. With dedication and practice, you’ll become more proficient in using the appropriate level of politeness in any situation, enhancing your overall communication skills in Japanese.
頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai) – Good luck on your Japanese language journey!
