Thursday 2 May 2024

Japanese honorifics **keigo**

 

1. Today's Japanese words

Here are some key Japanese vocabulary words related to honorifics, along with example sentences in romaji:


**Basic Honorific Suffixes:**


* **さん (san):** This is the most common honorific suffix, similar to "Mr./Ms./Mrs." in English.

    * Example: Tanaka-san (田中さん) - Mr./Ms. Tanaka


* **くん (kun):** Used for boys and young men, similar to "boy" or "bro" informally.

    * Example: Yamada-kun (山田くん) - Yamada-kun (young man)


* **ちゃん (chan):** Used for girls and young women, similar to "sweetie" or "dear" informally.

    * Example: Suzuki-chan (鈴木ちゃん) - Suzuki-chan (young woman)


* **様 (sama):** Very formal and respectful, similar to "Sir/Madam."

    * Example: Tanaka-sama (田中様) - Mr./Ms. Tanaka (formal)


**Other Honorific Titles:**


* **先生 (sensei):** Teacher, doctor, or any professional deserving respect.

    * Example: Watanabe-sensei (渡辺先生) - Mr./Ms. Watanabe (teacher/doctor)


* **先輩 (senpai):** Senior colleague or student.

    * Example: Sato-senpai (佐藤先輩) - Senior Sato


**Prefixes:**


* **お (o):** Polite prefix added to nouns, like "o-kashi" (おかし) for sweets.

    * Example: O-tsukaresama deshita (お疲れさまでした) - Thank you for your hard work.


* **ご (go):** Similar to "o," but often used with titles or verbs for added politeness.

    * Example: Go-chisou sama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) - Thank you for the meal.


**参る (mairu)**


* **Meaning:** To come, to go, to visit (someone of higher status), to do (something for someone of higher status)

* **Usage:** Used to show respect to the person or place being visited or to whom something is being done.

* **Examples:**

    * **社長がいらっしゃったら、お伝えいたします。** (Shachō ga irasshattara, otsutaeitashimasu) - If the president is here, I will tell him.

    * **来週、東京へ参ります。** (Raishū, Tōkyō e mairimasu.) - I will be going to Tokyo next week.

    * **お客様のご要望を承ります。** (Okyaku-sama no goyōbō o uketamawarimasu.) - I will take care of your request.


**いただく (itadaku)**


* **Meaning:** To receive, to take, to eat, to drink, to experience (something given by someone of higher status)


* **Usage:** Used to show humility when receiving something or experiencing something from someone of higher status.

* **Examples:**

    * **お心遣いをいただき、ありがとうございます。** (O-kokorozukai o itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu.) - Thank you for your kindness.

    * **差し入れをいただき、大変うれしく思います。** (Sashiire o itadaki, taihen ureshiku omoimasu.) - I am very happy to receive your gift.



**Additional Notes:**


* **参る (mairu)** is a more formal honorific than **いただく (itadaku)** and is typically used in more formal situations.

* **いただく (itadaku)** is a more common honorific and is used in a wider variety of situations.

* Both **参る (mairu)** and **いただく (itadaku)** can be used with the verb **する (suru)** to form more complex honorific verb forms. For example, **お伺いする (osawagi suru)** means "to ask (someone of higher status)" and **お召し上がりになる (召し上がる nasaru)** means "to eat (someone of higher status)".


2. Today's topic

Japanese honorifics, also known as **keigo**, are a complex system of grammatical forms used to convey politeness, respect, and humility in speech. They are an essential part of Japanese communication and are used in a wide variety of contexts, from everyday conversations to formal business interactions.


**Types of Keigo**


There are three main types of keigo:


* **Teineigo (丁寧語)**: This is the most basic level of politeness and is used in everyday conversations with friends, family, and acquaintances. It is characterized by the use of polite verb endings (-masu, -desu) and certain polite expressions.


* **Sonkeigo (尊敬語)**: This is a more formal level of politeness and is used to show respect to the listener or someone being spoken about. It is characterized by the use of special honorific verb forms and certain honorific expressions.


* **Kenjōgo (謙譲語)**: This is the most formal level of politeness and is used to show humility or modesty. It is characterized by the use of special humble verb forms and certain humble expressions.


**Honorific Suffixes**


In addition to polite and humble verb forms, keigo also makes use of a number of honorific suffixes that are attached to nouns to show respect. Some of the most common honorific suffixes include:


* **-san**: This is the most basic honorific suffix and is used with the names of friends, family, and acquaintances.


* **-sama**: This is a more formal honorific suffix and is used with the names of superiors, customers, and people who are worthy of respect.


* **-dono**: This is a very formal honorific suffix and is used with the names of high-ranking people, such as royalty and government officials.


* **-go**: This is an honorific prefix that is attached to nouns to show respect. It is often used with titles, such as **sensei** (teacher) and **haisha** (dentist).


**Using Keigo**


The use of keigo is a complex and nuanced topic, and there are many factors to consider when choosing which form of keigo to use. These factors include the social relationship between the speaker and the listener, the setting of the conversation, and the topic of conversation.


**Learning Keigo**


Learning keigo can be a challenge for non-native speakers of Japanese, but it is an essential skill for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in Japanese. There are a number of resources available to help you learn keigo, including textbooks, online courses, and language exchange partners.


**Conclusion**


Keigo is an important part of Japanese culture and is essential for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in Japanese. By understanding the different types of keigo and how to use them, you can show respect to others and avoid making social faux pas.




3- Today’s news

Keidanren in call to make Japan an ‘AI, robotics powerhouse’

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15233450


Malaysia and Japan test recycling dead palm trees into biofuel

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Environment/Malaysia-and-Japan-test-recycling-dead-palm-trees-into-biofuel



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