Ohayo. Ohayo. New Jersey.

One of the hallmarks of the Japanese language is its varying degrees of politeness.  You can understand how politeness is held in such high esteem by looking at the language itself.  There are three general levels.  First is plain or simple form and is used amongst friends and immediate family to show familiarity and friendship.  Next you have long or polite form.  This is used a lot in the workplace, particularly when speaking to someone of a higher “status.”  It’s also used when you meet people for the first time.  It’s probably the safest style to use if you’re unsure.  And then there is the super formal “keigo.”  This is used by people that work in the hospitality industry…anything from store clerks to phone assistance.  The difference between plain and polite form is generally just how you conjugate the verb.  For keigo, there is a whole different set of vocabulary to use.  This makes it incredibly difficult to navigate some of the set phrases in retail stores.  In fact, I used to find it so intimidating that as soon as they spoke to me, I would get flustered and make a beeline for the door (I’m sure many a clerk have had the passing thought of, “Maybe he was dropped as a child.”).  Luckily, I can now stumble my way through these encounters…I just hope a future in Japanese hospitality is not in my cards.