What is Keigo?
Keigo (敬語) is a system of polite language in Japanese used to show respect. There is no direct equivalent in Indonesian. Imagine if every verb, noun, and expression had 3-4 different versions depending on who you are talking to - that's keigo.
For Indonesian nationals working in Japanese companies, mastering keigo is the KEY to being accepted and respected in the work environment. Many Indonesians who are good at conversational Japanese still struggle at the office because they haven't mastered keigo.
The Three Types of Keigo
| Type | Japanese Name | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonkeigo (尊敬語) | Respectful Language | Elevates others (superiors, customers) | 行く → いらっしゃる (iku → irassharu) |
| Kenjougo (謙譲語) | Humble Language | Lowers oneself | 行く → 参る (iku → mairu) |
| Teineigo (丁寧語) | Polite Language | General politeness (-masu/-desu form) | 行く → 行きます (iku → ikimasu) |
When to Use Each Type
- Sonkeigo: When talking about the ACTIONS of someone of higher status (superiors, customers, people from outside the company)
- Kenjougo: When talking about YOUR OWN ACTIONS or your company's actions to outsiders
- Teineigo: The default for all formal situations. The minimum you must master.
The Most Frequently Used Keigo Verbs
| Meaning | Plain Form | Sonkeigo (for others) | Kenjougo (for oneself) |
|---|---|---|---|
| To go/come/be | 行く/来る/いる | いらっしゃる | 参る/おる |
| To eat/drink | 食べる/飲む | 召し上がる | いただく |
| To say | 言う | おっしゃる | 申す/申し上げる |
| To know | 知る | ご存知 | 存じる |
| To see/look | 見る | ご覧になる | 拝見する |
| To give | あげる | くださる | 差し上げる |
| To receive | もらう | - | いただく/頂戴する |
| To do | する | なさる | いたす |
Keigo Phrases for the Office
When Answering the Phone
- "Hai, [company name] de gozaimasu" (はい、〇〇でございます) - Yes, this is [company].
- "Shousha okake naoshimasu" (少々おかけ直します) - I will call you back shortly.
- "Odenwa arigatou gozaimasu" (お電話ありがとうございます) - Thank you for calling.
When Speaking with a Superior
- "Otsukare sama desu" (お疲れ様です) - Thank you for your hard work. (The most common greeting in the office)
- "Kashikomarimashita" (かしこまりました) - Yes, I understand. (More polite than "wakarimashita")
- "Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu" (お先に失礼します) - Excuse me for leaving first.
Business Emails
- Opening: "Otsukaresama desu" (internal) or "Osewa ni natte orimasu" (お世話になっております - for outsiders)
- Closing: "Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu" (よろしくお願いいたします) or "Go-kakunin no hodo, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu" (ご確認のほどよろしくお願いいたします - please confirm)
Common Keigo Mistakes Made by Indonesians
| Mistake | Why It's Wrong | What's Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Using sonkeigo for oneself | Sonkeigo is only for others | Use kenjougo for oneself |
| Saying "Wakarimashita" to a superior | Too casual for a superior | "Kashikomarimashita" or "Shouchii itashimashita" |
| Saying a superior's name without -san on the phone | When speaking to an outsider, a superior is referred to without -san | "Tanaka wa tadaima seki o hazushite orimasu" (without -san) |
| Double keigo | Using sonkeigo + o-/go- excessively | Choose only one form |
Tips for Indonesians to Learn Keigo
- Start with teineigo - Master the -masu/-desu forms first before jumping to sonkeigo/kenjougo.
- Memorize 10 key office phrases - By memorizing key phrases, you can survive 80% of office situations.
- Listen to your colleagues - Pay attention to how Japanese people talk to each other and imitate them.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes - Japanese people will appreciate your effort to use keigo, even if it's not perfect.
- Recommended book: "Nihongo Keigo Training" (日本語敬語トレーニング) - A practical keigo exercise book.
- YouTube: Search for "ビジネス日本語" (business nihongo) for tutorial videos.
Keigo Outside the Office
Keigo is also used in everyday situations:
- At shops/restaurants: The staff will always use keigo with you. You don't need to reply with keigo; teineigo is sufficient.
- At the hospital: Doctors usually use teineigo. You can also use teineigo.
- At a government office: Using teineigo is polite enough.
- With neighbors: Use teineigo for initial introductions, and you can become more casual after getting to know them.
Mastering keigo is a marathon, not a sprint. Even many Japanese people themselves struggle with keigo. What's important is to show effort and good intentions. With time and practice at the workplace, keigo will start to feel more natural.