Advanced Keigo Lesson 2
Mastering the use of double honorifics (nijuu-keigo) in high-stakes business and formal communication.
The Challenge of High-Level Politeness
In high-stakes business settings, such as interacting with a VIP client or a high-ranking executive, there is a natural desire to be as polite as possible. However, simply adding more honorifics can lead to 'nijuu-keigo' (double honorifics), which is often perceived as grammatically incorrect or even condescending.
Understanding Double Honorifics
Double honorifics occur when two honorific markers are applied to the same verb. In Japanese, one honorific form is sufficient to show respect.
Watch out
Examples of Correct Usage
Observe how these sentences maintain respect without falling into the trap of double honorifics.
社長はもうお帰りになりましたか。
Has the president already returned home?
資料をご覧になりましたか。
Have you seen the documents?
明日、こちらへいらっしゃいますか。
Will you be coming here tomorrow?
部長は会議の資料を【お読みになった】でしょうか。
Hint: Use the honorific form of 読む (to read).
Has the department manager read the meeting materials?
Nuance and Register
Double honorifics are often used by native speakers in casual speech as a joke or by mistake, but in formal writing or high-level business, they are considered a sign of poor language mastery.
Correct vs Incorrect
お読みになりました
Correct: Standard respectful form
部長はお読みになりました。
お読みになられました
Incorrect: Double honorific (redundant 'rare')
部長はお読みになられました。
Which sentence is grammatically correct and appropriate for a business meeting?
- お客様がお見えになられました。
- ✓ お客様がお見えになりました。
The first option uses 'rare' (passive honorific) on top of 'o-ni-naru', which is a double honorific. The second option is the correct, standard honorific.
Exceptions and Historical Context
Some forms that look like double honorifics have become accepted due to long-term usage.
Accepted 'Double' Forms
Lesson Summary
Double honorifics (nijuu-keigo) are a common pitfall when trying to sound overly polite. Remember that one honorific construction is sufficient to express respect. Always prioritize clarity and standard forms over adding excessive layers.