尊敬語

About

尊敬語そんけいご, or "respectful language" is used to show respect to the listener, and "elevate" their position relative to the speaker. 尊敬語そんけいご is used with people in high positions of power/authority, and towards customers/clients in business situations. Staff working in the service industry usually use 尊敬語そんけいご with their customers. Some people may use 尊敬語そんけいご when meeting someone for the first time.

尊敬語そんけいご is made up of special verbs, the お・ご(verb stem)になる pattern, as well as passive verbs.

E.g. なさる instead of する

E.g. お勉強べんきょうになる instead of 勉強べんきょうする

E.g. される instead of する

Summary

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  尊敬語そんけいご is "respectful" language that elevates the listener

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  尊敬語そんけいご is used with people who have high social status

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  尊敬語そんけいご is made up of special verbs, the お・ご(verb stem)になる pattern, as well as passive verbs