When it comes to Japanese Keigo(敬語、けいご), (types of honorific, respectful language), it is never enough in terms of learning various expressions. I was born and raised in Japan and speak fluent Japanese, but I still struggle every now and then using Keigo, sometimes unsure which expressions to use in certain situations.

In today’s blog, I would like to show you the 10 most important Keigo expressions that are useful to know. Read on~.

 

1.差し支えなければ（さしつかえなければ）Sashitsukae nakereba~ = If it’s ok with you.

When you need to ask someone perhaps their email address or phone number, it is always nice to be polite by asking “if it’s ok with you.~”.

 

2. お世話になります。（おせわになります）Osewani narimasu = Thank you for your continued support.

This could also mean, “thank you for your help!” to show appreciation to someone who works with you or helps you.

 

3. 申し訳ありませんが（もうしわけ　ありませんが）Moushiwake arimasenga = Sorry to bother you

Before you ask someone to do something for you, you want to add this expression.

 

4. 今よろしいいでしょうか。（いま　よろしいでしょうか）Ima yoroshii deshouka?=Is this a good time for ~?

Again, similar to #3 above, this expression is used to obtain a permission to talk to the person, or ask something. Often used at work places.

 

5. 勝手なお願いで申し訳ありません。（かってなおねがいで　もうしわけありません）Kattena onegaide moushi wake arimasen. = Sorry it’s my selfish request.

When you are asking someone to go out of their way for your request, this expression might be helpful to add.

 

6. ~していただけると　助かります。（～していただけると　たすかります。）=~shiteitadakeruto tasukarimasu. =If you could do ~, that will be helpful.

Also, often used as:  Soshite itedakeruto tasukarimasu. (そうして　いただけると　たすかります。)

 

7. ご相談したいことがあるのですが（ごそうだんしたいことが　あるのですが）Gosou dan shitai kotoga arunodesuga =I have something I would like to ask you.

Rather than jumping into conversation directly, you might want to add this to start off.

 

8. 失礼ですが　（しつれいですが） shitsurei desuga = excuse me~

 

9. おかげさまで　Okagesamade = Thanks to you

 

10. お忙しいところ貴重なお時間をいただき　ありがとうございました。（おいそがしい　ところ

きちょうな　おじかんを　いただき　ありがとうございました。）　Oisoga shii tokoro kichouna ojikan o itadaki arigatou gozaimashita. Thank you for your time while you are busy.

Polite way to express how thankful you are to be able to  meet him/her. Often used at business meetings, it is a respectful way of expressing your appreciation.

 

These expressions are often used in business environment or more formal occasions, which Keigo itself is used when speaking to someone older or someone who is in higher social status, or at business places.