One of the ways in which verb conjugation in Japanese is a bit different from other languages is the way the verb is conjugated depending on if you are talking in a formal or informal situation. For this, there is an informal and formal form in Japanese. This distinction is a fundamental aspect of the language, reflecting the social context and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.
The two primary levels of politeness are the informal form, also known as the plain, short or dictionary form (辞書形 – jishokei), and the formal form, commonly called the polite or -masu form (ます形 – masu-kei). Mastering their proper use is essential for effective and appropriate communication.
It’s important to learn the correct form. Using the incorrect form can cause social friction. Using the informal form with a superior can be perceived as disrespectful, while using the formal form with a close family member may create awkward emotional distance. Still, when in doubt: Always use the formal form
The Informal Form in Japanese (辞書形 – Jishokei)
The informal form is the base form of a Japanese verb, the version listed in a dictionary. It’s also called, the plain or short form. For example: 食べる (taberu – to eat) and 見る (miru – to see). This form is used when speaking with individuals with whom the speaker has a close personal relationship.
The informal form is used in the following contexts:
- With family and close friends.
- With a romantic partner.
- With classmates you are on familiar terms with.
- In internal monologue or personal writing, such as a diary.
- With anyone considered part of one’s “inner circle” (uchi).
The Formal Form in Japanese (ます形 – Masu-kei)
The formal form is used to show politeness and maintain a degree of social distance. It is most easily identified by the verb ending 〜ます (-masu). For example, 食べる (taberu) becomes 食べます (tabemasu), and 見る (miru) becomes 見ます (mimasu).
The formal form is considered standard in these situations:
- When speaking with strangers, teachers, superiors, or clients.
- In professional and business environments.
- When addressing elders or individuals of higher social status.
- During customer service interactions.
- As the default form when unsure about the appropriate level of politeness.
Practical Scenarios for the Formal Form
Here are some concrete examples of everyday situations where using the formal -masu form is necessary.
Ordering at a restaurant
You are speaking to a waiter. As a customer, you must use polite language
Correct
このラーメンを食べます
このラーメンをたべます
(Kono rāmen o tabemasu)
I will eat this ramen
Incorrect
このラーメンを食べる
このらーめんをたべる
(Kono rāmen o taberu)
Asking a stranger for directions
You are approaching someone you don’t know on the street. Formality is required to avoid sounding rude
Correct
すみません、駅はどこにありますか
すみません、えきはどこありますか
(Sumimasen, eki wa doko ni arimasu ka?)
Excuse me, where is the station?
Incorrect
ごめん、駅はどこにある？
(Gomen, eki wa doko ni aru?)
Speaking to a new boss or teacher
You are in a situation with a clear social hierarchy. You must show respect to the person of higher status
Correct
明日からここで働きます
あしたからここではたらきます
Ashita kara koko de hatarakimasu
I will start working here tomorrow.
Incorrect
明日からここで働く
あしたからここではたらく
Ashita kara koko de hataraku
Conjugation Examples
The conjugation from the informal to the formal form depends on the verb’s classification group. Below are some examples for the present tense.
Conjugating Godan (う) verbs for formal and informal form
For these verbs, the final ‘u’ vowel sound is changed to an ‘i’ vowel sound before adding -masu.
- 書く (kaku) → 書きます (kakimasu) – to write
- 読む (yomu) → 読みます (yomimasu) – to read
- 話す (hanasu) → 話します (hanashimasu) – to speak
- 待つ (matsu) → 待ちます (machimasu) – to wait
- 帰る (kaeru) → 帰ります (kaerimasu) – to return home
Conjugating Ichidan (る) verbs for formal and informal form
For these verbs, the final る (ru) is dropped and replaced with -masu.
- 食べる (taberu) → 食べます (tabemasu) – to eat
- 見る (miru) → 見ます (mimasu) – to see
- 寝る (neru) → 寝ます (nemasu) – to sleep
- 起きる (okiru) → 起きます (okimasu) – to wake up
Conjugating Irregular verbs for formal and informal form
These two common verbs follow a unique conjugation pattern.
- する (suru) → します (shimasu) – to do
- 来る (kuru) → 来ます (kimasu) – to come
The Cultural Framework: Uchi-Soto (内-外)
The choice between formal and informal speech is governed by the Japanese cultural concept of Uchi-Soto (内-外), which translates to “inside” and “outside.”
- Uchi (内): This refers to one’s “inside group.” It includes family, close friends, and colleagues within one’s own team or company. Within this group, the directness of the informal form is appropriate.
- Soto (外): This refers to the “outside world.” It encompasses everyone not in the uchi group—strangers, acquaintances, customers, and members of other companies or social groups. Interacting with soto individuals requires the formal form to show respect and maintain social harmony.
Even more formal: Keigo (敬語)
The -masu form is the foundation of polite Japanese, but it is only the first level of a more complex system of honorific and humble language known as Keigo. Keigo is used in highly formal or specific professional contexts.
The Three Pillars of Keigo
- 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) – Respectful Language This type of language elevates the listener or a third person (like a customer, a boss, or a respected teacher). You use special verbs and prefixes when you are talking about what someone else does, their possessions, or their family. You are literally putting them on a pedestal with your words.
- 謙譲語 (Kenjōgo) – Humble Language This is the opposite of sonkeigo. This language lowers or humbles the speaker (yourself) or your in-group (your family, your company). You use a different set of special verbs when talking about your own actions in a way that shows respect to the person you’re interacting with. You’re lowering yourself to elevate them.
- 丁寧語 (Teineigo) – Polite Language This is the category you’re already familiar with! It’s the general “polite” language that makes an entire sentence sound refined and polite without specifically elevating or humbling anyone. It’s characterized by the verb endings -ます (-masu) and the copula です (desu). It’s the safest and most neutral form of politeness.
A Practical Example: The Verb “to eat” (食べる, taberu)
Let’s see how these categories change a simple sentence. Imagine you are talking about your company’s president (社長, shachō).
- Respectful (Sonkeigo): Used when describing the president eating.社長が召し上がります。(Shachō ga meshiagarimasu.) The president eats. (Here, the special verb meshiagarimasu elevates the president.)
- Humble (Kenjōgo): Used when you are telling the president that you will eat.私がいただきます。(Watashi ga itadakimasu.) I will eat. (Here, the special verb itadakimasu humbles you, the speaker, in front of the president.)
- Polite (Teineigo): A generally polite way to say someone eats.田中さんが食べます。(Tanaka-san ga tabemasu.) Mr. Tanaka eats. (This is just a standard, polite statement. It’s respectful but doesn’t carry the strong hierarchical meaning of the other two.)
When is Keigo Used?
You’ll encounter keigo constantly in specific environments in Japan.
- Business Settings : When talking to superiors, clients, or customers. It is absolutely essential for workplace communication.
- Customer Service: Any time an employee is speaking to a customer (e.g., in a shop, restaurant, or hotel).
- Formal Announcements: Public announcements, speeches, and formal interviews.
- Addressing Elders: When speaking to people who are significantly older or have a higher social standing.
For learners, the most important thing is to be able to recognize keigo and to master teineigo (the -masu/-desu forms). As you advance, you’ll begin to learn the most common respectful and humble verbs.
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