Keigo isn't only about hierarchy
Keigo isn't used based purely on a simple senior/junior hierarchy — it also shifts based on "inside vs. outside" relationships, like whether someone is from your own company or an outside one, or whether you've just met. The same person might warrant different honorific choices depending on the situation.
You don't need to aim for perfection
Keigo is complex enough that even native Japanese speakers make mistakes with it. A practical approach is to first get comfortable with the basic distinction between the three types, then gradually build up a set of natural-sounding phrases you can use confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude if I get keigo wrong?
In most situations, the sincere effort to speak politely matters more than a small mistake. For important business occasions, though, it helps to double-check common phrases in advance.
Is "manual keigo" (used in customer service) different from proper keigo?
Yes — phrases commonly heard in service jobs, like "ni narimasu" or "yoroshikatta deshouka," are technically considered grammatically off despite being widespread. Understanding the three core types makes it easier to spot the difference.