N2#keigo#honorifics#business-japanese#politeness

Formal Keigo Lesson 7: The O- / Go- Prefix System

Mastering the use of honorific prefixes (o- and go-) to elevate nouns and verbs in formal business settings.

Context

The Art of Politeness

In a Japanese business environment, your language reflects your professionalism. When speaking to a client or a superior, simply using standard polite forms (desu/masu) is often not enough. You must also show respect through the strategic use of honorific prefixes.

Imagine you are at a meeting with a client. Instead of asking 'Do you have a plan?', you want to sound more refined. By adding a prefix to the noun 'plan' (yotei), you signal that you respect the client's time and status. This lesson explores the rules behind these prefixes.

Explanation

The O- and Go- Prefixes

The prefixes 'o-' (お) and 'go-' (ご) are used to turn neutral nouns into polite, respectful versions. They are essential for Sonkeigo (respectful) and Kenjougo (humble) expressions.

お/ごNoun

Generally, 'o-' (お) is attached to native Japanese words (wago), while 'go-' (ご) is attached to Sino-Japanese words (kango). However, there are exceptions based on common usage.

Watch out

Do not add these prefixes to words referring to yourself, unless you are using them in a specific humble construction. Using them incorrectly on your own belongings can sound arrogant.

Examples

Usage in Context

Observe how these prefixes elevate the tone of common business nouns.

お名前(おなまえ)を教えて(おしえて)いただけますか。

Could you please tell me your name?

お名前おなまえname (polite)教えておしえてtellいただけますかいただけますかcould you please

ご予定(ごよてい)はいかがでしょうか。

How does your schedule look?

ご予定ごよていschedule (polite)いかがいかがhow

【ご】返信をありがとうございます。

Hint: Prefix for Sino-Japanese noun

Thank you for your reply.

Usage

Nuance and Selection

Choosing between 'o' and 'go' is largely based on the origin of the word, but context matters.

Prefix Selection

お + Wago

Native Japanese words

お仕事 (oshigoto)

ご + Kango

Sino-Japanese words

ご案内 (goannai)

Which of these is the most appropriate way to refer to a client's company?

お会社
ご会社
✓ 御社

御社 (onsha) is the specific set term for a client's company in formal business.

Deep dive

Advanced Honorifics

Some words are so frequently used with prefixes that they are treated as single lexical items.

In some cases, the prefix is mandatory for the word to be considered polite. For example, 'o-cha' (tea) or 'o-kane' (money). In business, 'go-kigen' (mood/health) is used in formal greetings like 'go-kigen you'.

Summary

Lesson Recap

Using 'o-' and 'go-' prefixes is a fundamental skill for N2-level business communication, allowing you to show respect and maintain professional distance.

Remember: 'o-' for native Japanese words and 'go-' for Sino-Japanese words. When in doubt, listen to how native speakers use these prefixes with specific business vocabulary.

お名前

おなまえnoun

name

ご予定

ごよていnoun

schedule

ご返信

ごへんしんnoun

ご案内

ごあんないnoun

guidance/information