How to say "polite" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 丁寧ていねいna-adjective, nounThe general word for polite: courteous and civil in manner or speech. When you simply mean that someone is being polite, this is usually the word to reach for.
- 丁重ていちょうna-adjective, nounPolite and courteous like 丁寧, with an added nuance of hospitality; choose it when the politeness shades into hospitable, welcoming courtesy.
- na-adjectiveReally means graceful, modest, and ladylike — 'polite' is only a marginal gloss. Usually written in kana alone, it describes a gentle demeanor and is seldom the word you want for politeness.
Choose 丁寧 for politeness in general, 丁重 when the courtesy carries an added nuance of hospitality, and remember that 「しとやか」 means graceful and ladylike rather than polite.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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