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I sometimes hear 我々{われわれ} and 私{わたし}たち for "we", but am at a loss for
understanding when I should use one over the other. Any tips?
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-03-15T07:47:57.770
32909
2016-03-15T11:17:30.433
12018
question
word-choice
What is the level of politeness for 我々?
我々 is literary and hard word. We don't use it commonly but is sometimes used
in oration.

私たち is commonly used.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-03-15T10:27:17.467
32911
2016-03-15T10:27:17.467
7320
32909
answer
They are synonymous in meaning.

"我々" is more suitable in settings like political speeches (when referring to a
group, including the speaker). It can have a strict and also archaic ring to
it.

"私達" can also be read as "わたくしたち", which is highly formal. It might be
suitable in a setting like a wedding reception, where you are referring to
your spouse and yourself.

[from goo辞書](http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/thsrs/5452/meaning/m0u/)

> [使い分け]
>
> 【１】「私達」は、話し言葉でも書き言葉でも用いる。
>
> 【２】「私達」は、「わたしたち」ともいうが、「わたくしたち」の方が、より改まった言い方。
>
> 【３】「我々」は、文語的で硬い言い方。

* * *

Otherwise, I can say I have heard people at my company use it, when referring
to the company as a group, as opposed to an outside group (like a client). In
this setting, the people saying it are also usually all men. It might be the
preference of some men to avoid the word "私{わたし}" as it can be considered
feminine.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-03-15T11:17:30.433
32913
2016-03-15T11:17:30.433
2020-06-17T08:18:27.500
-1
11830
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answer