N5 Course
Chapter 1

Sensei’s Notes:

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ポケット日本語

Studying Japanese


In Japanese, politeness levels are a crucial aspect of communication and are expressed through various linguistic forms and expressions.

There are three main levels of politeness:

  • Casual or Informal (くだけた, "kudaketa"):

    This level is used with close friends, family members, or people of the same age or lower social status. It involves using plain and informal language.

  • Polite or Formal (ていねい, "teinei"):

    This level is used in most everyday interactions with people you're not very close to, such as colleagues, acquaintances, or strangers. It involves using polite language, honorifics, and specific expressions to show respect.

  • Honorific or Keigo (けいご, "keigo"):

    This is the highest level of politeness and is used in formal and respectful situations, such as business meetings, interviews, or when addressing superiors. Keigo includes special verbs, nouns, and expressions to show utmost respect. For example, instead of saying "to do" (する, "suru"), you might use "なさる" (nasaru), a more respectful form of the same verb.

    I once had a student call this form ‘horrific form’ as its… most peoples least favourite form to study.


These politeness levels are essential in Japanese culture, and using the appropriate level is crucial to maintaining harmonious relationships and showing respect to others. The choice of politeness level can significantly impact the tone and outcome of a conversation.

Did you know?

The official Japanese language proficiency tests are called JLPT’s. There are 5 levels, starting with N5 and finishing with N1. It is held twice a year in a number of countries!

I try to cover all you need for N5, and a bit of N4!