When you’re planning to do business in Japan, understanding the intricacies of Japanese culture is crucial to making a good impression. One area that can often cause confusion for foreigners is the use of honorifics in Japanese language and etiquette. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of keigo, or polite speech, and explore how it can be used effectively in professional settings.

The Importance of Keigo

In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on social hierarchy, which is reflected in the way people address one another. This is where keigo comes in – it’s a system of honorifics that allows individuals to show respect for their superiors or inferiors. Keigo is used extensively in formal and informal settings, including business meetings, dinners, and even casual conversations.

Using Keigo Correctly

There are several ways to use keigo correctly:

  1. Polite Language: Use polite language when speaking to someone who is older or of higher social status than you. This includes using words like “sensei” (teacher) or “shacho” (president).
  2. Honorifics: Use honorifics when referring to someone’s title or position. For example, instead of saying “I’m going to meet my boss,” say “I’m going to meet my shacho.”
  3. Verbs: Use verbs in the past tense when speaking to someone who is older or of higher social status than you. This shows respect for their age and experience.

Practical Examples

Here are some practical examples of how keigo can be used effectively:

  1. Meeting a Client: When meeting a client for the first time, it’s important to show respect for their position. You could say something like “I’m looking forward to working with you, shacho.”

  2. Dining with Colleagues: When dining with colleagues, use polite language and honorifics when referring to someone’s title or position.

  3. Addressing a Superior: When addressing a superior, always use polite language and honorifics. For example, instead of saying “I’m going to meet my boss,” say “I’m going to meet my shacho.”

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes that foreigners make when using keigo:

  1. Overusing Keigo: Don’t overuse keigo – it can come across as insincere or even mocking.

  2. Underusing Keigo: On the other hand, don’t underuse keigo either – this can be seen as rude or impolite.

  3. Using Keigo Incorrectly: Make sure to use keigo correctly – if you don’t, it can cause confusion and embarrassment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using keigo effectively is an important part of Japanese business etiquette. By understanding the importance of keigo and how to use it correctly, you can make a good impression with clients, colleagues, and superiors alike. Remember to always use polite language and honorifics when referring to someone’s title or position, and avoid overusing or underusing keigo. With practice and patience, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master of Japanese business etiquette.