敬語

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 敬語 is read as けいご and is a noun for the Japanese system of honorific language expressing respect, humility, or politeness according to social relations.
• Basic usage: The addressee appears in 目上の人に敬語を使う, while appropriateness appears in 敬語の使い方.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 丁寧語
  • 丁寧語 is one category of polite speech; 敬語 is the broader system including respectful and humble forms.
• Form alone is not enough
  • Even grammatically honorific wording may sound unnatural or excessive if it does not fit the relationship and situation.