Japanese Polite Form

Po・丁寧形・ていねいけい

1. What is Polite Form?

Polite form (ていねいけい) refers to a level of speech in Japanese that shows respect and is used in formal situations. This form is essential for polite conversation, especially with people you do not know well or in professional settings.

2. Structure of Polite Form

2.1 Polite Form of Verbs

The polite form of verbs is generally created by adding the suffix -ます to the verb's stem.

Verb Type	Structure	Example	Polite Form
Group 1 Verbs	Stem + ます	書く（かく）	書きます（かきます） - to write
		飲む（のむ）	飲みます（のみます） - to drink
		話す（はなす）	話します（はなします） - to speak
Group 2 Verbs	Stem + ます	食べる（たべる）	食べます（たべます） - to eat
		見る（みる）	見ます（みます） - to see
Irregular Verbs	Remain unchanged	する（する）	します（します） - to do
		来る（くる）	来ます（きます） - to come

2.2 Polite Form of Adjectives

For い adjectives, the polite form is created by changing the final い to です. For な adjectives, add です after the adjective.

Adjective Type	Structure	Example	Polite Form
い Adjectives	Root + です	高い（たかい）	高いです（たかいです） - It is high
		面白い（おもしろい）	面白いです（おもしろいです） - It is interesting
な Adjectives	Root + です	きれい（きれい）	きれいです（きれいです） - It is beautiful

2.3 Polite Form of Nouns

The polite form for nouns is created by adding です after the noun.

Noun Type	Structure	Example	Polite Form
Nouns	Noun + です	学生（がくせい）	学生です（がくせいです） - I am a student
		本（ほん）	本です（ほんです） - It is a book

3. Usage of Polite Form

The polite form is used in formal conversations, such as in meetings, presentations, or when speaking to strangers.
It is crucial when speaking to superiors or clients in a professional context.

4. Example Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use the polite form:

Verbs:
- 彼は日本に行きます。
  (He is going to Japan.)
Adjectives:
- この映画は面白いです。
  (This movie is interesting.)
Nouns:
- 私は学生です。
  (I am a student.)

5. Important Notes

The use of the polite form shows respect and is an essential aspect of Japanese communication.
It is advisable to maintain politeness in conversations to create a positive impression.

6. Summary

The polite form is a fundamental aspect of Japanese that enhances respect and politeness in communication. Understanding how to use the polite form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns is vital for effective and courteous interactions.