Keigo (敬語) is a system of honorific language used in Japanese to convey social status and respect between speakers. It involves using different grammatical forms and vocabulary depending on the relative social positions of the speaker and the listener.
Here's a breakdown:
* Formal Speech (Sonkeigo): Used when speaking to someone of higher status. It emphasizes the listener's actions and elevates them.
* Humble Speech (Kenjougo): Used when speaking about oneself or one's own actions to someone of higher status. It lowers the speaker's own status.
* Polite Speech (Teineigo): Used as a general polite form of speech, but it's less formal than Sonkeigo.
Keigo is an essential part of Japanese culture and plays a crucial role in maintaining social harmony. It's considered a mark of good manners and respect.