HUMBLE FORM - KENJOUGO/謙譲語
In a Japanese business situation, an individual will use a form called Kenjougo (謙譲語) when referring to him or herself. Kenjougo means the humble form, and portrays respect by deliberately using words that will put the speaker lower than the listener (who are generally but not always of higher rank or position).
Kenjougo is made up of three characters: 謙 meaning modesty, 譲 meaning offer or yield (to another person), and 語 meaning language.
Kenjougo is made up of three characters: 謙 meaning modesty, 譲 meaning offer or yield (to another person), and 語 meaning language.
English | Casual Japanese | Humble Japanese |
---|---|---|
do | する suru |
致す itasu |
go | 行く iku |
参る or うかがう mairu or ukagau |
look | 見る miru |
拝見する haikensuru |
say | 言う iu |
申し上げる moushiageru |
think | 思う omou |
存じる zonjiru |
leave | 帰る kaeru |
帰らせていただく kaeraseteitadaku |
It is important to reiterate that these words are used to refer to yourself (or even your colleagues when speaking to a client). Never use it referring to your client or someone of higher status.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For example, you can say
今朝資料を拝見しました。 (Pronounced: Kesa Shiryou wo haiken shimashita)
Meaning "I have looked at the documents this morning." with the verb 拝見 indicating you are lower in status.
But you cannot say the following to a client.
今朝資料を拝見しましたか? (Pronounced: Kesa Shiryou wo haiken shimashitaka)
As this would make the client seem as if lower than the speaker, which can sound strange or even rude.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't hesitate to send me a question if anything isn't clear or if you have any questions in regards to Sonkeigo(or the Respectful) form.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For example, you can say
今朝資料を拝見しました。 (Pronounced: Kesa Shiryou wo haiken shimashita)
Meaning "I have looked at the documents this morning." with the verb 拝見 indicating you are lower in status.
But you cannot say the following to a client.
今朝資料を拝見しましたか? (Pronounced: Kesa Shiryou wo haiken shimashitaka)
As this would make the client seem as if lower than the speaker, which can sound strange or even rude.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't hesitate to send me a question if anything isn't clear or if you have any questions in regards to Sonkeigo(or the Respectful) form.