Formal vs. Casual Japanese: When to Use Each Style
Japanese is a language rich in politeness levels, and choosing the right style for the situation is essential. Using overly casual Japanese at work or too formal speech with friends can feel awkward. Letβs break down when and how to use formal vs. casual Japanese!
1. What is Formal vs. Casual Japanese?
Formal Japanese, often referred to as ζ¬θͺ (keigo), is used in professional, academic, or polite settings. Casual Japanese is more relaxed and used among friends, family, and close acquaintances.
πΉ Fun Fact: Japanese has multiple levels of politeness, but the two main distinctions are ζ¬θͺ (keigo - polite speech) and γΏγ‘ε£ (tameguchi - casual speech).
2. When to Use Formal Japanese (Keigo)
Formal Japanese is essential in business, customer service, and when speaking to elders or strangers. It consists of:
γ¦γγγθͺ (Teineigo) β Polite language used in most social and professional settings.
ε°ζ¬θͺ (Sonkeigo) β Respectful speech used to show deference to superiors.
θ¬θ²θͺ (Kenjougo) β Humble speech used to lower oneself in conversations.
Examples of Formal Speech:
English | Casual | Formal |
|---|---|---|
Thanks! | γγγγ¨γ (Arigatou) | γγγγ¨γγγγγΎγ (Arigatou gozaimasu) |
Excuse me | γγγ (Gomen) | γγΏγΎγγ (Sumimasen) |
I will go | θ‘γ (Iku) | εγγΎγ (Mairimasu) |
Please wait | εΎ γ£γ¦ (Matte) | γεΎ γ‘γγ γγ (O-machi kudasai) |
πΉ Tip: If youβre unsure which level to use, default to γ¦γγγθͺ (Teineigo)βitβs polite but not overly formal!
3. When to Use Casual Japanese (Tameguchi)
Casual speech is used with friends, family, classmates, and close colleagues. It is more relaxed, often omitting particles and polite endings.
Examples of Casual Speech:
English | Formal | Casual |
How are you? | γε ζ°γ§γγοΌ(O-genki desu ka?) | ε ζ°οΌ (Genki?) |
Letβs eat! | γγγ γγΎγ (Itadakimasu) | ι£γΉγγοΌ (Tabeyou!) |
Are you free? | γζιγγγΎγγοΌ (O-jikan arimasu ka?) | ζοΌ (Hima?) |
See you later | ε€±η€ΌγγΎγ (Shitsurei shimasu) | γΎγγοΌ (Mata ne!) |
πΉ Cultural Note: Japanese speakers may switch between formal and casual language based on the setting, even within the same conversation!
4. Mixing Formal and Casual Speech
Itβs common to use a mix of formal and casual speech depending on the relationship and setting. Here are some cases where switching is normal:
At work: Use polite Japanese with your boss, but casual speech with coworkers youβre close to.
At school: Use polite speech with teachers but casual speech with friends.
In emails: Start formal, but if the person responds casually, you may adjust accordingly.
5. Learn Formal & Casual Japanese with Nihongo Master
Want to master when and how to use formal vs. casual Japanese? Nihongo Master offers structured lessons on keigo, business Japanese, and real-life conversation practice!