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Japanese is constantly ranked as one of the hardest languages in the world to learn, and for good reason. Not only does it have three different writing systems and gendered language, but terms and verbs change depending on level of politeness.
For those who wish to work and thrive in Japan, wading through the morass of sonkeigo (respectful language), kenjogo (humble language) and teineigo (polite language) may seem like a hassle, especially when so many Japanese people also have trouble keeping all the proper terms straight.
However, being able to bend all those fancy words to your will can make you a formidable opponent in the boardroom, open new career opportunities and (to be totally honest) make you sound far more senior and convincing than you are!
Although textbooks can be helpful, they only tend to cover the most basic phrases and verbs, and rarely explain how to push back in a polite way. From most to least friendly, a few of my favorite bits of repertoire are:
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- External Link
- https://blog.gaijinpot.com/
4 Comments
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Yubaru
And if you use any one of these 5 phrases without having a fuller understanding of keigo behind you, you REALLY are going to be seen as "snarky".
Until you get to a level of Japanese that allows you to use and recognize and understand keigo, it's probably better off not using it at all.
Himajin
Especially 'Okotoba desuga', said the wrong way, to the wrong level employee, them's fightin' words! You want to burn some bridges or overthrow management, go for it! ;-) These articles sometimes strike me as bordering on the irresponsible.
Yubaru
Himajin....well said, and I would also add that there are probably, depending upon the office, a whole hell of a bunch of Japanese themselves that have no idea wtf you would be saying. They dont use keigo, and someone, even a Japanese person who is not proficient in using keigo, come off as being strange when using it!
Toasted Heretic
I think that Japanese people appreciate when you attempt to speak the language, even if you're not proficient in it.