When learning Japanese, most people start with “desu/masu” forms. That’s actually the right approach.
Why? Because real Japanese conversation is basically keigo (polite language).
Casual Japanese Is Only for Close Relationships
The Japanese you hear in anime and dramas is often casual. “Taberu,” “iku,” “miru” — dictionary forms spoken directly.
But in real life, you only use casual Japanese with:
- Family
- Your partner
- Close friends who are the same age
Everyone else — coworkers, strangers, older people, shop staff — you use keigo.
You need to learn dictionary forms for grammar study, but in actual conversation, keigo is the default. If you speak like an anime character, you’ll sound rude.
The 3 Types of Keigo
Japanese keigo breaks down into three categories.
Teineigo (Polite Language)
The most basic form — adding “desu” and “masu.”
- taberu → tabemasu (eat)
- iku → ikimasu (go)
- kore wa hon da → kore wa hon desu (this is a book)
This is what Japanese learners study first. For everyday conversation, this is enough.
Sonkeigo (Respectful Language)
“Raising” the other person’s actions. Shows respect to them.
- taberu → meshiagaru (eat)
- iku → irassharu (go)
- miru → goran ni naru (see)
- iu → ossharu (say)
Used when talking about your boss, customers, or anyone senior to you.
Kenjougo (Humble Language)
“Lowering” your own actions. Raises the other person by comparison.
- taberu → itadaku (eat)
- iku → mairu (go)
- miru → haiken suru (see)
- iu → mousu (say)
Used when talking about yourself or your company.
Why Sonkeigo and Kenjougo Are So Difficult
Teineigo is relatively simple. Just add “masu” to verbs.
Sonkeigo and kenjougo are the problem.
This concept doesn’t exist in other languages.
English has no equivalent to “raising someone else’s actions” or “lowering your own actions.” Neither does French, Spanish, or German.
That’s why sonkeigo and kenjougo are extremely difficult for Japanese learners. Even if you understand the rules intellectually, using them naturally in conversation is a different matter entirely.
Essential Phrases for Business
If you’re working in Japan, memorise these at minimum:
Greetings
- Otsukaresama desu — greeting to colleagues
- Osewa ni natte orimasu — greeting to external contacts
- Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu — making requests / closing emails
Phone Etiquette
- [Company name] no [your name] to moushimasu — introducing yourself
- Shoushou omachi kudasai — please wait a moment
- Orikaeshi odenwa itashimasu — I’ll call you back
- Go-kakunin no hodo, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu — please confirm
- Oisogashii tokoro osore irimasu ga — I’m sorry to bother you when you’re busy
- Go-kentou itadakemasu to saiwai desu — I’d appreciate your consideration
Common Mistakes
Using casual language with your boss Even if you’re friendly, your boss is still your boss. Not “ryoukai” but “shouchi shimashita.” Not “wakatta” but “kashikomarimashita.”
Mixing up sonkeigo and kenjougo “Shachou ga mairimashita” is wrong. “Mairu” is humble language — you use it for your own actions. The correct form is “Shachou ga irasshaimashita.”
Over-polite Japanese Double keigo like “goran ni nararemashita deshou ka” sounds unnatural. Being too polite becomes awkward.
How to Learn Keigo
Honestly, keigo — especially sonkeigo and kenjougo — is extremely hard to learn on your own.
You can memorise the forms from a textbook, but knowing how to use them in real situations requires practice. And since this concept doesn’t exist in other languages, it’s difficult to grasp intuitively.
The most efficient way is to practise role-playing real business scenarios with a native teacher.
Business Japanese at Nihon GO!
Nihon GO! offers lessons specifically for business Japanese.
- Using keigo correctly
- Email and phone etiquette
- Meetings and presentations
- Japanese business manners and culture
Every teacher holds a government-recognised qualification from Japan and has real business experience — so you learn practical Japanese, not just textbook phrases.
Whether you’re planning to work in Japan, doing business with Japanese companies, or looking to advance your career — we’ll build a plan around your goals.
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Written by Ayaka Uchida – CEO of A-Digital Works, founder of Nihon GO! World.