What is Kenjougo?
Kenjougo, or humble language, is a specific form of Japanese honorific speech. Unlike sonkeigo (respectful language), which elevates the status of the person you are speaking about, Kenjougo is used to lower or humble oneself or one’s in-group. This form of language is used when referring to your own actions or those of your group in relation to someone of higher status, such as a customer, boss, or elder.
The Purpose of Humble Language in Japanese Culture
The use of Kenjougo is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, which highly values humility, respect, and social harmony. By lowering oneself linguistically, speakers show deference and acknowledge the higher status or importance of the listener or the subject. This practice helps maintain smooth interpersonal relationships and avoids direct confrontation or appearing boastful.
When Is Kenjougo Used?
Kenjougo is used in various social and professional situations, such as:
- Business meetings with clients or superiors
- Customer service interactions
- Formal written correspondence
- Introducing oneself or one’s family members in formal settings
By mastering when and how to use Kenjougo, learners can avoid social faux pas and demonstrate cultural competence.
Examples of Kenjougo in Everyday Communication
Understanding Kenjougo involves recognizing specific verbs and expressions. Here are some examples:
- 言う (iu, “to say”) becomes 申す (mousu) or 申し上げる (moushiageru)
- する (suru, “to do”) becomes いたす (itasu)
- 行く (iku, “to go”) and 来る (kuru, “to come”) become 参る (mairu)
- 見る (miru, “to see”) becomes 拝見する (haiken suru)
For instance, instead of saying 行きます (ikimasu, “I will go”), you would say 参ります (mairimasu) to humbly express your action in a formal context.
Why Lower Oneself? The Social Psychology Behind Kenjougo
Lowering oneself through Kenjougo is not about self-deprecation, but about fostering respect and social balance. In Japanese society, showing humility is a sign of good upbringing and professionalism. By using Kenjougo, speakers effectively communicate, “I do not consider myself above you,” which is crucial in maintaining group harmony (wa) and avoiding offense.
Kenjougo vs. Other Forms of Politeness
It’s important to distinguish Kenjougo from other forms of honorific language:
- Sonkeigo (Respectful Language): Used to elevate the actions of others.
- Teineigo (Polite Language): Neutral politeness, used in most day-to-day interactions.
- Kenjougo (Humble Language): Used to lower oneself or one’s in-group in relation to the listener.
Learning when to use each form is key for effective communication and social success in Japanese settings.
Tips for Mastering Kenjougo
- Practice with real-life scenarios, such as role-playing business meetings or customer interactions.
- Listen to native speakers and pay attention to context.
- Utilize language learning tools like Talkpal to simulate conversations and receive feedback.
- Study set phrases and commonly used humble verbs.
Developing fluency in Kenjougo takes time and exposure, but the effort pays off by enhancing both your language skills and cultural understanding.
Conclusion
Kenjougo, or humble language, plays a crucial role in Japanese communication by fostering respect, humility, and social harmony. By learning how and when to use it, you gain not only linguistic proficiency but also deeper insight into Japanese values and etiquette. At Talkpal, we encourage all learners to embrace these subtleties for more authentic and effective interactions in Japanese.
