[Major Survey of 7,600 Simeji Users] 90% have used 'incorrect honorifics.' Approximately 60% of bosses feel uncomfortable with the honorifics used by new employees.

Simeji conducted a survey on business honorifics, revealing experiences with misuse and the generational gap in the workplace.
NQ 50/100出典：PR Times

📋 Article Processing Timeline

  • 📰 Published: March 28, 2026 at 16:35
  • 🔍 Collected: March 28, 2026 at 21:59 (5h 24m after Published)
  • 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 07:27 (417h 28m after Collected)

Baidu Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Feng Jiang), provider of the customizable keyboard app 'Simeji' (iOS/Android), has conducted an awareness survey on 'business honorifics' targeting individuals aged 19 to 50.

This survey clarifies the actual usage and confidence levels regarding honorifics, the gap in perception between supervisors/seniors and new employees, and the current state of AI utilization. The results suggest that there are many situations where people are unsure about honorific usage and that discrepancies in honorifics often go unaddressed in the workplace.

<Survey Highlights>

  • Approximately 60% (59.8%) of supervisors have felt uncomfortable with the honorifics used by new employees, yet less than 40% (38.2%) have actually corrected them.
  • Approximately 40% (42.2%) of new employees say they 'lack confidence in their honorifics.'
  • About 90% of working adults have used 'commonly misused honorifics.'
  • The most difficult aspect of honorifics is 'distinguishing between sonkeigo (respectful language) and kenjougo (humble language).'
  • Approximately 40% (42.6%) use AI daily, with many turning to AI for advice on honorifics.
  • About 70% say they 'would like to use an honorific support keyboard.'

■ Approximately 60% of bosses feel uncomfortable with new employees' honorifics, but less than 40% provide guidance

When asked if they have ever felt 'bothered' by the honorifics used by new employees, 59.8% of those in supervisory or senior positions answered 'yes.' However, only 38.2% (less than 40%) stated they have actually corrected the mistakes.

Additionally, when new employees were asked if they have ever had a 'close call' or been reprimanded due to their honorifics, 40.4% (about 40%) answered 'yes.'

These results indicate that while about 60% of supervisors feel uncomfortable with the honorifics used, only about 40% actually provide guidance. This suggests that discrepancies in honorific usage may be going unaddressed and are not being shared or corrected within the workplace.

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