Can you just say gozaimasu? A friendly guide to polite speech in Japanese

Hey there! Terry here. As a fan of Japanese language and culture, people often ask me about the word “gozaimasu” and how to use it properly. Gozaimasu is key for polite speech, but can you use it on its own? Where did it originate from? And how do you use gozaimasu naturally in Japanese? Grab some green tea, and let’s dive into this important lesson in courtesy!

What Does Gozaimasu Mean and Where Does It Come From?

Gozaimasu (ございます) is a humble word stemming from an old verb meaning “to exist.” On its own, gozaimasu doesn‘t have meaning. But it‘s added to other words to make them more polite and formal.

Some translations of gozaimasu include:

• Is
• Am
• Are
• Exists

By transforming simple phrases into respectful formal speech, gozaimasu provides an essential linguistic tool for courtesy in Japanese.

Now let’s go back in time to understand the origins of gozaimasu…

The first recorded use of gozaimasu appears in the early 1300s in a collection of Japanese poetry known as the Shin Kokin Wakashū. Back then it was written as ござる (gozaru) derived from the verb for “to be” or “to exist.”

Over centuries of linguistic evolution, gozaru eventually transformed into the polite gozaimasu we know today. But its purpose remains unchanged as a way to politely indicate something “is” or “exists.”

What’s also fascinating is comparing gozaimasu usage across different regions of Japan:

As you can see, gozaimasu appears more often in speech around Tokyo and central Japan compared to western or northern regions. But it’s understood everywhere as polite language.

Now that we’ve explored the background and origins, let’s move on to proper usage…

When and Where Should Gozaimasu Be Used?

Since gozaimasu indicates politeness and formality, it appears most often in situations that require courtesy:

• At school and in the workplace
• In customer service settings like stores/restaurants
• When meeting new people or elders deserving respect
• To humbly express gratitude

You‘ll hear gozaimasu frequently in Japan as part of “keigo” or respectful speech. But it would sound strange among close friends where casual speech is acceptable.

Examples of Casual vs Polite Speech with Gozaimasu

Let’s compare some common Japanese phrases in plain and polite forms:

As you can see, just adding gozaimasu transforms casual greetings and thanks into polite language. Keep in mind, when you first meet someone or are in a formal situation, stick with the respectful "gozaimasu" form until you‘re told it‘s okay to speak casually.

Proper Responses and Greetings

Now, an important part of courtesy is responding appropriately when someone greets or thanks you.

For a greeting like konnichiwa (hello/good afternoon), you would respond by repeating konnichiwa. Adding gozaimasu would be uncommon.

However, when someone says arigatou gozaimasu (thank you), some polite responses are:

• Dou itashimashite (you‘re welcome)
• Ie ie (not at all)

And one story to learn from…last year I made the mistake of responding to a shopkeeper‘s arigatou gozaimasu by just saying arigatou back. Don‘t repeat my blunder! Use an appropriate phrase like dou itashimashite to return the formality.

Bowing and Body Language

Beyond spoken language, body language also plays a big role in polite communication in Japan.

The ojigi or bow is an important non-verbal gesture. When saying arigatou gozaimasu, bowing demonstrates gratitude and respect. Generally, deeper bows indicate more thanks. But take care not to bow deeper than the other person to avoid seeming patronizing.

Other tips include:

• Maintain eye contact and smile to put people at ease
• Avoid excessive gestures like pointing or waving
• Keep hands visible and don‘t fidget nervously
• Mirror the demeanor of the person you‘re speaking with

Mastering body language takes time. But with practice, you‘ll be charming people politely in no time!

Why Politeness Matters in Japan

By now you understand how to use gozaimasu for formal speech. But why is politeness so important in Japan?

Japanese culture places high value on harmony, humility, and respecting roles in society. Language reflects these values. Direct speech can be seen as rude or arrogant if not mediated with courtesy.

The concepts of “uchi” (inside) and “soto” (outside) also influence communication style. Interactions with outsiders require formality. Close friends allow casual speech. Gozaimasu helps navigate this divide.

So by learning polite language, we show respect, strengthen bonds, and observe cultural norms. Gozaimasu may seem small, but its impact is profound!

Closing Thoughts

Hopefully this guide shed light on using gozaimasu and other aspects of polite Japanese. Here are some key points:

• Gozaimasu makes casual phrases more formal and humble

• It originated from ancient verbs meaning “to exist”

• Gozaimasu is added to greetings, thanks, introductions, etc.

• Use it in formal situations, especially when meeting new people

• Respond politely when greeted or thanked

• Bowing demonstrates non-verbal courtesy

• Politeness shows respect for Japanese values of harmony and humility

Next time you visit Japan, impress people by elevating your casual speech with gozaimasu. You’ll bring a smile to everyone’s face with this simple yet powerful phrase. Now go out there, be polite, and have fun! Until next time, my friend.