When we speak Japanese, we have to use either formal or informal forms depending on the situation and who we're talking to.
It might seem a bit tricky at first, but understanding when to use each form will allow you to speak confidently without the fear of unintentionally offending anyone.
So let's dive in!.
In our daily life, we simply call the formal or polite way of speaking Keigo.
We use Keigo when talking to:
- Strangers
- Someone for the first time
- Someone older than us
- Superiors
It is essential in various situations, such as in business settings, academic environments, or when talking to elders to show respect.
In our daily life, we simply call the informal or casual way of speaking Tameguchi It's also called Tamego
We use Tameguchi when we talk to:
- Close friends
- Family
- Someone who is the same age or younger than us
Tameguchi is appropriate when you are with friends, siblings, or people younger than you, as it fosters a sense of familiarity and friendliness.
As a rule of thumb, use Keigo when you're talking to older people or in formal situations, and use Tameguchi when you're talking to younger people, close friends, or family.
If you're older than 20 years old, it's usually better to use Keigo when meeting someone for the first time, even if they seem younger than you, unless they're a little kid.
For Japanese learners, just knowing these rules is enough to speak Japanese without offending anyone.
Understanding and using the appropriate form will be appreciated by native speakers and show your respect for the language and culture.
But for native speakers like me, it's a little more complicated.
If you are interested to know about how I started using Keigo growing up in Japan, keep reading!
Hopefully, this will give you a better insight into our culture!