Translation and Meaning of: 御 - go

The Japanese word 御[ご] is an honorific prefix that carries cultural and linguistic richness. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding the use and meaning of this term can open doors to more respectful and authentic communication. In this article, we will explore everything from its origin to the practical contexts in which 御[ご] appears, including its importance in Japanese social hierarchy.

In addition to being a grammatical element, 御[ご] reflects deep values of Japanese society, such as respect and formality. Whether in restaurants, offices, or even in animes, this prefix is present in various everyday situations. Let's uncover how it works, when it should be used, and why it is so essential in learning Japanese.

Origin and meaning of 御[ご]

The prefix 御[ご] has roots in classical Japanese and was originally used to express reverence or respect. Its origin is linked to the kanji 御, which by itself carries meanings related to control, honor, and protection. This character is composed of elements that suggest a connection to noble or divine actions, reinforcing its use in formal contexts.

In modern language, 御[ご] continues to be a marker of politeness, often added to nouns to elevate their tone. Words like 御飯[ごはん] (cooked rice) and 御名前[ごなまえ] (your name) are common examples. It's worth noting that, while it is similar to the prefix お, 御[ご] is more commonly used with terms of Chinese origin (kango), whereas お appears more in words of Japanese origin (wago).

When and how to use 御[ご]

The use of 御[ご] is almost mandatory in formal situations, especially when addressing superiors, clients, or older people. In restaurants, for example, it is common to hear 御注文[ごちゅうもん] (your order) or 御予約[ごよやく] (your reservation). This prefix transforms a common phrase into an expression of courtesy, something valued in Japan.

However, there are exceptions. Some words already incorporate 御[ご] in a fixed way, such as 御馳走[ごちそう] (feast), and it doesn't make sense to remove it. On the other hand, adding 御[ご] indiscriminately can sound artificial or even arrogant. The tip is to observe how natives use the term and practice with real examples, such as those available in Suki Nihongo, the best Japanese dictionary for learners.

Trivia and memorization tips

An effective way to memorize the use of 御[ご] is to associate it with specific situations where respect is essential. For example, in tea ceremonies, the term 御茶[おちゃ] (tea) takes the prefix お, but in more formal or bureaucratic contexts, 御[ご] prevails. This subtle distinction helps to understand when each one should be applied.

Another interesting fact is that 御[ご] can appear in place names or historical titles, such as 御所[ごしょ] (imperial palace). This usage reinforces the idea of something sacred or important. For those who want to practice, a good strategy is to create flashcards with pairs of words, one with and the other without the prefix, to internalize the differences in meaning and tone.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• お (o) - Honorific prefix used for respectful terms.
• ご (go) - Honorific prefix used mainly with words of Chinese origin.
• 御前 (gozen) - In front of you; venerable; generally used in respectful addresses.
• 御中 (onchuu) - Term used in correspondence to refer to respected organizations or groups.
• 御座る (ozaru) - Respectful way of "sitting" or "being" in certain formal situations.
• 御覧 (goran) - It means "to see" or "to look" in a respectful way.
• 御存知 (gozonji) - Respectful way of "knowing".
• 御願い (onegai) - A request or respectful plea.
• 御免 (gomen) - Apologies or permission in a respectful manner.
• 御礼 (orei) - Expression of gratitude; respectful appreciation.
• 御祝い (oiwai) - Celebration or respectful congratulatory gift.
• 御馳走 (gochisou) - It refers to a banquet or meal made with respect.
• 御手洗 (otearai) - Bathroom; literally "place to wash hands" in a respectful manner.
• 御神酒 (osake) - Sacred wine, referring to the sake offered in ceremonies.
• 御神体 (shintai) - Sacred body or sacred object in sanctuaries.
• 御神木 (shinboku) - Sacred tree, often revered in rituals.
• 御幣 (ōbē) - Sacred offerings or ritual objects of respect.
• 御札 (ofuda) - Talisman or sacred amulet, usually linked to religious rituals.
• 御守 (omamori) - Protection amulet, usually bought in shrines.
• 御利益 (oriyaku) - Spiritual benefits or rewards, often from a deity.
• 御神徳 (shindoku) - Sacred virtues attributed to deities.
• 御神力 (shinkiryoku) - Divine power, the strength or abilities of a deity.
• 御神託 (shintaku) - Notices or messages from a spirit or deity, communicated in rituals.
• 御霊 (mitama) - Spirit or soul, often referring to revered spirits.
• 御霊前 (mitamamae) - In front of the spirit, used in respectful contexts in rituals.
• 御霊様 (mitama-sama) - Respectful term to refer to a revered spirit or soul.
• 御霊神 (mitama-gami) - Deity of spirits; meaning reverence to the spiritual essence.
• 御霊験 (mitama-gen) - Visible results or manifestations associated with spirits.
• 御霊信仰 (mitama-shinkou) - Faith or belief in spirits.
• 御祓い (oharai) - Purification ritual that involves removing impurities or evil spirits.
• 御祓え (oharwae) - Respectful form of the verb "to purify".
• 御祓 (oharai) - Ceremonial purification through rituals.
• 御祓式 (oharaishiki) - Formal purification ceremony.
• 御祓詞 (oharai-kotoba) - Words or spells used in purification rituals.

御

Romaji: go
Kana: ご
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: go-; honorable

Meaning in English: go-;honourable

Definition: A word that expresses courtesy given to something.

Example Sentences - (御) go

See below some example sentences:

御覧になる

goran ni naru

means "take a look" or "see with your own eyes".

Look to

• 御覧 - "goran" means "to look" or "to see"
• に - "ni" is a particle that indicates the target or the object of the action.
• なる - "naru" is a verb that means "to become" or "to be"

抑制することは自己制御の重要な要素です。

Yokusei suru koto wa jiko seigyo no juuyou na youso desu

Exercising control is an important element of self-control.

Control is an important factor in self-control.

• 抑制する - Verb that means "inhibit", "repress", "control".
• こと - noun meaning "thing", "fact"
• は - particle that marks the theme of the sentence
• 自己制御 - Compound noun that means "self-control", "self-discipline".
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 重要な - Adjective meaning "important"
• 要素 - noun that means "element", "component"
• です - verb indicating "to be" or "to exist" in a polite form

御免ください

Gomen kudasai

Please excuse me.

Please do not

• 御 - honorary prefix that indicates respect
• 免 - Sorry, exemption
• ください - Please

御負けは勝ちの半分。

Gomake wa kachi no hanbun

Losing is half the winning.

• 御負け - means "defeat" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 勝ち - means "victory" in Japanese
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 半分 - means "half" in Japanese

御飯を食べましょう。

Gohan wo tabemashou

Let's eat rice.

• 御飯 - rice
• を - direct object particle
• 食べましょう - Let's eat