A study examined how Japanese language use reflects the hierarchical and compartmentalized society and the psychological attitudes of the speaker through analysis of the verb forms used. Data were drawn from a survey of 500 individuals concerning the choice of verb form in different social situations, and from transcriptions of a housewife's conversations. Analysis of the data indicates that individuals choose verb forms in Japanese according to whom is being addressed, suggesting that the Japanese language has structured the social system in the verb form. This shows one aspect of a language in which syntax is directly related to pragmatic conditions. (MSE)