Teineigo: Polite Language Basics
Quick Answer: 丁寧語 (teineigo) is the base level of polite speech using です (copula) and ます (verb ending).
The foundation of Japanese politeness — です and ます
Category: Keigo (Honorifics)
The Rule
丁寧語 (teineigo) is the base level of polite speech using です (copula) and ます (verb ending). It's used with strangers, acquaintances, coworkers, and in any situation where casual speech would be inappropriate. This is the 'default' register for adult conversation.
Why This Matters
English has informal vs. formal register, but the switch is mostly vocabulary and tone. Japanese literally changes verb endings and copulas. Teineigo is the minimum level of politeness expected in public interactions. Using plain form with someone you should be polite to is a significant social misstep.
Examples
• これは辞書です。 — "This is a dictionary." [です after nouns/na-adjectives — the polite copula] • 毎日電車で通勤しています。 — "I commute by train every day." [ます-form for polite verb conjugation] • すみません、駅はどこですか？ — "Excuse me, where is the station?" [Standard polite question to a stranger] • いい天気ですね。 — "Nice weather, isn't it?" [です with i-adjective (colloquially accepted, though ですね is technically for nouns)]
Common Mistakes
❌ これ、辞書だ。 (to a stranger) ✅ これは辞書です。 → Using plain form だ with strangers is rude. Always use です in public interactions unless you know the person well ❌ どこ行くの？ (to a coworker you just met) ✅ どちらに行かれますか？ / どこに行きますか？ → Casual question forms (の-ending) are inappropriate with people you aren't close to
Quick Tip
When unsure about the politeness level, always start with teineigo (です/ます). It's never wrong to be polite. You can always relax later if the relationship develops.
When unsure about the politeness level, always start with teineigo (です/ます). It's never wrong to be polite. You can always relax later if the relationship develops.
Examples
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: これ、辞書だ。 (to a stranger) → Correct: これは辞書です。. Using plain form だ with strangers is rude. Always use です in public interactions unless you know the person well
Incorrect: どこ行くの？ (to a coworker you just met) → Correct: どちらに行かれますか？ / どこに行きますか？. Casual question forms (の-ending) are inappropriate with people you aren't close to
Quiz
Which is appropriate when asking a stranger for the time?