{ "term": "string", "language": "string (Japanese | Korean | Mandarin | Pan-Asian)", "romanization": "string", "literal_translation": "string", "bme_definition": "string", "usage_context": "string", "related_terms": ["string"], "content_references": ["string"], "first_published": "date", "last_updated": "date" }

Keigo

Literal Translation

The Japanese honorific speech system. Different verb forms, vocabulary, and grammar for different social relationships. Not just politeness — a structural encoding of social hierarchy into the language itself. Intimidating to learn. Essential to understand.