Advanced Keigo Lesson 1
Master the art of double honorifics (nijuu-keigo) by learning how to combine sonkeigo and kenjougo structures appropriately in professional N1-level contexts.
The Complexity of Business Etiquette
In high-stakes business environments, you may encounter situations where a simple honorific form is not enough. You might hear a colleague or a client use a phrasing that seems to stack multiple layers of politeness. This is often an attempt to show extreme deference, but it can easily cross the line into 'double honorifics' (nijuu-keigo).
Understanding Double Honorifics
Double honorifics occur when two honorific markers are applied to the same verb. While generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard business Japanese, they are a frequent point of confusion for advanced learners.
Watch out
Correcting Honorific Usage
Observe how to simplify redundant honorifics into natural, high-level business Japanese.
部長が明日いらっしゃいます。
The department manager will come tomorrow.
社長がご覧になりました。
The company president saw it.
お客様が【いらっしゃいます】。
Hint: Use the honorific form of 'kuru' (to come).
The customer is coming.
Register and Nuance
Distinguishing between 'polite' and 'over-polite' is the hallmark of an N1 speaker.
Correct vs. Incorrect
おっしゃる
Correct: Honorific for 'to say'
部長がおっしゃいました。
おっしゃられる
Incorrect: Double honorific (redundant)
Avoid this form.
Which of the following is the most appropriate and professional way to say 'The client said so'?
- お客様がおっしゃられました
- ✓ お客様がおっしゃいました
- お客様が言われました
Option 2 uses the correct honorific 'おっしゃる' without redundant suffixes.
Exceptions and Historical Context
Sometimes, what is labeled 'double honorific' is becoming accepted due to widespread usage.
Why do people use double honorifics?
Lesson Summary
Double honorifics (nijuu-keigo) are generally avoided in professional settings because they create redundant, clunky phrasing. Focus on mastering the base honorific verbs (e.g., いらっしゃる, おっしゃる, ご覧になる) rather than adding extra layers of 'れる/られる'.