Honorific or polite language used to show respect to the listener or the subject; principally divided into respectful (sonkeigo), humble (kenjougo), and polite (teineigo) forms.
上司には敬語を使うのが一般的だ。
It's common to use honorific language with one's boss.
敬語には尊敬語・謙譲語・丁寧語の三種類がある。
Honorific language has three categories: respectful, humble, and polite forms.
電話での応対では丁寧な敬語が重要です。
Polite honorific language is important when talking on the phone.