丁寧

• Reading: ていねい
• Romaji: teinei
• Kanji breakdown: 丁 (tei/chō) — exact, precise; 寧 (nei) — peaceful, calm
• Pronunciation: /te.i.ne.i/

Meaning

Polite; courteous; careful; thorough. Describes behaviour, speech, or work done with care.

A na-adjective central to Japanese communication. 丁寧語 (teineigo) refers to polite language itself — the です/ます forms. Beyond language, it describes careful work (丁寧に作る, to make carefully) or considerate behaviour. A key cultural concept reflecting Japanese values of attentiveness.

Examples

1. この店の店員はとても丁寧な対応をしてくれた。 The staff at this store provided very polite service.
2. 先生は丁寧に説明してくれました。 The teacher explained it to me carefully.
3. 手紙を丁寧に書きました。 I wrote the letter carefully.

Usage Guide

Context: manners, work quality, communication

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

Originally a Chinese compound. 丁 (tei) means exact or precise, and 寧 (nei) means peaceful or careful. Together they convey the idea of doing something with precision and care.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal