Picture this: you step off the train in Tokyo, neon signs glowing overhead, and you need to ask which platform your next ride leaves from. If you know the Japanese politeness levels, you’ll glide through that interaction with a confident “Sumimasen” and the right verb ending. In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn how to navigate casual, polite, and honorific speech so you can get around, order food, and chat with locals without missing a beat.
You’ll discover
- What makes each speech level unique
- When to use plain, teinei, or keigo forms
- Key phrases for transportation, dining, and everyday chat
- Simple tips to avoid common slip-ups
Let’s dive in and help you communicate confidently in Tokyo.
Understand politeness levels
In Japanese, choosing the right level of speech shows respect and helps you fit in. There are three core forms: casual (plain), polite (teinei), and very polite (keigo). Each one uses different verb endings and sometimes entirely different words.
| Level | Japanese term | When to use | Ending example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual | plain form (kudaketa) | Close friends, family | “Taberu” (eat) |
| Polite | simple polite form (teinei) | Strangers, shop staff, public settings | “Tabemasu” (eat) |
| Very polite | honorific (sonkeigo) & humble (kenjougo) | Business, ceremonies, formal emails | “Nioide irasshaimasu” (arrive) |
Casual form feels like texting your roommate—quick and direct. Polite form adds “-masu” or “-desu,” which softens your speech. Keigo (敬語), a mix of respectful and humble speech, replaces entire verbs and uses special prefixes to show extra respect (Cultural Atlas).
A quick note: youth culture sometimes leans away from super-formal speech, so you may hear younger people using plain form with acquaintances even in semi-formal settings (Dynamic Language). Still, it’s best to err on the side of politeness when you’re a visitor.
Decide which form
How do you pick the right level? Two main factors guide you: rank (seniority or position) and familiarity.
- Rank
- Older or higher-status individuals deserve more polite or honorific speech.
- In businesses, a junior employee should use teinei or keigo with a manager.
- Familiarity
- Close friends and family → casual form.
- Acquaintances, shop clerks, fellow travelers → polite form.
Here’s a quick scenario table:
| Situation | Suggested level | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Asking a stranger for directions | Polite (teinei) | You don’t know them well |
| Chatting with your host family | Casual (plain) | You’re treated like family |
| Emailing a company for information | Keigo | Formal, business context |
| Ordering ramen from a shop staff | Polite (teinei) | Common courtesy in service |
Want to ask where the exit is? Check how to ask directions japanese for handy phrases.
Use polite verbs
Verbs are the biggest clue to your politeness level. Let’s break down endings:
- Plain form → base/dictionary form (eat = taberu, go = iku)
- Polite form → stem + “-masu” (eat = tabemasu, go = ikimasu)
- Honorific/humble → special verb or prefix (go- + stem + ni naru)
Polite verb conjugation
- Drop “-ru” from a Group II verb, add “-masu”
- Change Group I “u” sound to “i” + “-masu”
- “Suru” → “shimasu” and “kuru” → “kimasu”
For example:
- yomu (read) → yomimasu
- hanasu (talk) → hanashimasu
Honorific and humble examples
-
“To come”
-
Regular polite: kimasu
-
Honorific: irasshaimasu
-
Humble: mairimasu
-
“To do”
-
Regular polite: shimasu
-
Honorific: nasaimasu
-
Humble: itashimasu
Mastering these takes time, but even dropping in “-masu” shows you’re putting in effort.
Practice polite phrases
You’ll use certain phrases over and over in Tokyo. Learning them at the polite level will keep you in good graces.
Essential greetings
- Ohayou gozaimasu (good morning)
- Konnichiwa (hello/afternoon)
- Konbanwa (good evening)
Need more on greetings? Visit japanese greeting phrases.
Asking questions politely
- Sumimasen (excuse me/sorry)
- Japanese transportation vocabulary can help with “Which train goes to Shibuya?”
- Shibuya made ikitai n desu ga?
Want full transport phrases? See japanese train announcements translation.
Thank you and excuse me
- Arigatou gozaimasu (thank you)
- Gomen nasai (I’m sorry)
- Shitsurei shimasu (excuse me, polite)
Brush up on japanese thank you expressions and japanese excuse me phrases.
Ordering food phrases
- Kore o onegaishimasu (I’d like this please)
- Okanjou onegaishimasu (check, please)
For more dining lines, check japanese restaurant phrases ordering.
Combine language and actions
Words go hand in hand with respectful behavior. In Japan, politeness extends beyond speech.
Bowing etiquette
- Hand at your side, bend at about 15 degrees for casual bows
- Business bows can go 30-45 degrees, hold for a beat
A quick bow plus a keigo greeting goes a long way.
Handling money politely
- Use both hands to pass cash or cards
- Place bills on the small tray at a register, don’t hand directly
See japanese money phrases for payment vocab.
Table manners
- Say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama deshita” after (Virgin Australia)
- Never stick chopsticks upright in rice—symbolic of funerals
Respect the meal and you’ll respect the culture.
Avoid common mistakes
Even seasoned learners mix levels sometimes. Here’s how to sidestep pitfalls.
Mixing polite and casual
One phrase in plain form followed by another in -masu form can feel jarring. Stick to one level per sentence.
Overusing honorifics
Keigo is powerful but complex. Overdoing it can come off as insincere or awkward.
Skipping particles
Particles like “wa,” “ga,” and “o” link your ideas. Dropping them in polite speech sounds incomplete. Review japanese particle usage to keep sentences flowing.
Get visitor tips
Here are quick wins for international travelers:
- Try speaking early: even if you mix levels, locals appreciate the effort.
- Watch and mimic: observe how staff greet customers and copy their tone.
- When unsure: use teinei (polite form), it’s safe.
- Carry a phrasebook app: reference basics like japanese bathroom phrases.
- Note body language: stand politely in train lines, cover your mouth when coughing.
A small smile and “Sumimasen” will open doors—literally and figuratively.
Review key takeaways
- Japanese speech splits into casual, polite, and honorific levels.
- Base your choice on rank and familiarity.
- Polite verbs use “-masu,” while keigo swaps in special verbs.
- Pair your words with respectful actions like bowing and two-handed exchanges.
- If in doubt, stick with polite form to keep things smooth.
With these pointers, you’re ready to tackle Tokyo’s restaurants, trains, and shops like a pro.
Frequently asked questions
1. When should I start using keigo?
Begin with simple polite form (teinei). Only use keigo in formal business situations or when you’re addressing someone notably senior or unfamiliar.
2. Can I switch levels mid-conversation?
It’s best to stick to one level per conversation. If someone uses plain form with you, you can match tone, but avoid random shifts.
3. Is it rude to eat while walking?
Yes, it’s generally discouraged. Look for designated eating areas or snack at a local café.
4. What if I make a politeness slip?
Most Japanese are forgiving of learner mistakes. A quick apology “Gomen nasai” and a smile smooth things over.
5. Where can I learn more Japanese basics?
Check out resources like katakana hiragana basics and japanese pronunciation guide to build confidence.
Happy chatting, and enjoy your time in Tokyo!
