Specify Japanese translation tone
Suggestions for Tone Selection

Introduction to Japanese Honorifics

In the process of Japanese translation, different honorifics and expressions not only represent the diversity of the language but also profoundly reflect the complexity of Japanese social etiquette and interpersonal relationships.

Whether in daily life or business settings, the correct use of honorifics, humble, and polite language in Japanese translation not only helps convey information but also reflects the speaker's respect for the listener and self-restraint.

In this article, we will delve into honorifics, humble, and polite language in Japanese. Through specific application scenarios and comparative analysis in the translation process, you can better understand and appropriately use these language styles, and in using O.Translator When translating Japanese, choose the correct language.

Three Types of Honorifics

Honorifics

Used to express respect for others. Typically used for superiors, clients, elders, or in formal situations.

Honorific language includes respectful verbs (for example: 行く＝いらっしゃる, 見る＝ご覧になる) and other forms of expression.

It is used to express respect for others, for example: 社長が会議にいらっしゃいます。It is used to express respect for others, making the text appear more formal and respectful.

Humble language

It is used to lower one's own status and show respect to the other party. This is commonly used when communicating one's own actions or providing services, to express respect for the other party.

Humble language includes humble verbs (for example: 行く＝参る, 見る＝拝見する) and other forms of expression.

When describing one's own actions, use it, for example: 私が会議に参ります, to show humility and respect towards the other party.

Polite Language

A tone in Japanese used to express politeness and respect, primarily by using forms like 「です」 and 「ます」 to make sentences appear more courteous and formal.

Polite language is very common in daily communication, business settings, and formal correspondence. It makes the text appear more polite and formal, but does not significantly increase special respect towards others.

Usage in O.Translator

Specify Japanese translation tone

Usage O.Translator When translating Japanese documents, you can choose between unspecified tone Japanese or specified tone Japanese.

The difference is:

Japanese without specified tone

without-tone

When you choose to translate Japanese without specifying the tone, O.Translator will automatically adjust based on the context and select the appropriate tone for translation.

Usually, the translated text is both accurate and appropriate, but sometimes the tone throughout the text may not be completely consistent.

Japanese with specified tone

with-tone

When you choose to translate Japanese with a specified tone, O.Translator ensures that the tone and level of politeness are consistent throughout the document, thus avoiding issues with mixed tones.

This is particularly important in documents for formal occasions.

Suggestions for Tone Selection

For particularly formal occasions, it is recommended to use a specified tone for translation to ensure that the document consistently maintains politeness and tone.

At other times, O.Translator can automatically adjust the tone based on the context, which usually results in a natural and appropriate translation.

You can decide whether to choose a specific tone for translation based on the following suggestions.

Honorifics

Formal business letters: Involves formal correspondence with clients, superiors, or partners.
Invitations and thank-you letters: Sending invitations or expressing gratitude to clients or esteemed individuals.
Formal meeting minutes: Recording meeting content, especially speeches involving superiors or important external figures.

Humble language

Self-recommendation letter: For example, a job application letter, which needs to express respect for the employer.
Service documents: Documents in service industries such as hotels and travel agencies, for example, room service instructions.
Meeting minutes: When recording your own or your team members' speeches.

Polite Language

Daily emails: Used for communication with colleagues, friends, or general business exchanges.
Personal blog or diary: Although for personal use, maintain a certain level of politeness and standard.
Briefings and notices: Internal company notices or short announcements.