Meaning
polite; careful; thorough; attentive
Nuance & Usage
丁寧 encompasses both politeness in speech/manner and carefulness in action. 丁寧な言葉遣い (teinei na kotobazukai — polite way of speaking) and 丁寧な仕事 (teinei na shigoto — careful, thorough work) are typical uses. The adverb form 丁寧に (teinei ni — carefully, politely) is very common: 丁寧に説明する (to explain carefully). In Japanese customer service culture, 丁寧 is a core value. 丁寧語 (teineigo) refers to the basic politeness level of Japanese speech.
Common Mistakes
Learners often limit 丁寧 to meaning "polite" in speech, but it equally means "careful" or "thorough" when describing actions and work. Don't confuse with 礼儀正しい (reigitadashii — well-mannered, proper etiquette) which focuses on formality and social rules. 丁寧に扱う means to handle something with care (not just politely). Also, 丁寧 is a な-adjective: use 丁寧な + noun.
Example Sentences
彼女はいつも丁寧な言葉で話しかけてくれる。
かのじょはいつもていねいなことばではなしかけてくれる。
She always speaks to me in a polite way.
仕事は丁寧にやることが大切だと思います。
しごとはていねいにやることがたいせつだとおもいます。
I believe it's important to do work carefully and thoroughly.
お客様のご質問に丁寧に対応いたします。
おきゃくさまのごしつもんにていねいにたいおういたします。
We will respond to customer inquiries politely and attentively.
Quick Quiz
N24 questionsTest your knowledge of 丁寧 with 4 different question types.
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