敬語（けいご）

Definition

敬語 refers to honorific language in Japanese. It is used to show respect or politeness towards others by using specific verb forms and expressions.

Analogy

Imagine 敬語 as a formal suit or dress that you wear on special occasions. Just like dressing up shows respect and politeness, using 敬語 demonstrates your respect for others in conversation.

Related terms

丁寧語（ていねいご）: 丁寧語 means polite language. It includes both 敬語 and other polite expressions used in everyday conversations.

尊敬語（そんけいご）: 尊敬語 specifically refers to respectful language used when talking about someone superior or older than oneself.

謙譲語（けんじょうご）: 謙譲語 is humble language used when talking about oneself or showing humility towards others.