Appendix:

Respect Language – Table of Japanese Verbs

sonkeigo, kenjōgo, teineigo

respectful, humble and polite language

The following table provides a guide to the different levels of politeness for some common Japanese verbs. The plain form is used for informal speech between friends and family, the – masu form is used in general conversation outside this circle, the honorific form is used to refer politely to others, and the humble form for referring deferentially to yourself. It covers basic usage when addressing a second person. The language for showing respect to a third person is not covered.

The passive is included in this table along with the other honorific forms as it is widely used to show respect to the person you’re speaking to. However, it is not strictly an honorific, belonging rather to the group of words known as polite language. This perhaps accounts for its popularity as it may appear more informal, showing respect without putting the person on a pedestal. But take care not to overdo it.

KINSHIP TERMS

When speaking to your own or your spouse’s father or mother, use otōsan and okāsan; but when speaking about them to people outside your family, use chichi and haha, respectively. Only children use otōsan and okāsan when talking about their own parents.

Usage is not so strict concerning the terms for grandparents. The terms ojiisan (grandfather) and obāsan (grandmother) can be used when speaking to friends, but otherwise the more formal terms sofu and sobo should be used.