What is the level of politeness for 我々?


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?




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.




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.

