謙譲語 (Kenjougo) – Humble Language in Japanese
謙譲語 (kenjougo), or humble language, is used to show humility when speaking about one's own actions or the actions of one’s group (e.g., company, family) when interacting with someone of higher status. Unlike 尊敬語 (sonkeigo), which raises the status of the listener or third party, kenjougo lowers the speaker’s position to show respect.
Below is a structured breakdown of the common transformations, patterns, and special humble verbs in 謙譲語, along with examples for practical use.
1. Basic Constructions for Humble Verbs
Kenjougo often uses お + Verb Stem + する or ご + Verb Stem + する to make an action humble. This construction allows the speaker to show humility while referring to their own or their group’s actions.
Examples
- お降りします – "I will get off (the train)" (humble)
- お見せできません – "I cannot show it (to you)." (humble refusal)
This structure is common for polite interactions, especially in business or formal settings, when discussing your own actions.
2. Specific Humble Verb Transformations
Certain verbs have special kenjougo forms that should be memorized, as they are widely used in polite speech. Here are some of the most common humble transformations.
教える (To Teach / To Inform)
- 教えていただきました – "I was kindly taught by (someone)."
- Used when you want to humbly acknowledge that someone provided you with information or taught you something.
見る (To See / To Watch)
- 拝見します – "I will take a look."
- Used as a humble way to say that you will look at something provided by a superior.
言う (To Say)
- 申し上げます – "I humbly say…"
- This is a very respectful way of expressing something you are saying, often used in announcements or formal statements.
聞く (To Ask / To Hear)
- 伺います (きく) – "I will humbly ask."
- When used as "to ask," this form implies humility in seeking information from a superior.
訪ねる (To Visit)
- 伺います (たずねる) – "I will humbly visit."
- When used to mean "to visit," it shows respect for the person or place you are going to.
会う (To Meet)
- お目にかかります – "I will meet you."
- This is a humble way of saying "to meet" someone of higher status.
あげる (To Give)
- 差し上げます – "I will give (to you)."
- Used when offering something to a superior or customer to show respect.
Common 謙譲語 Phrases and Examples
Here are examples of 謙譲語 phrases in complete sentences, providing context for polite and respectful interactions.
- お降りします
おおりします
"I will get off (the train)." - お見せできません
おみせできません
"I cannot show it (to you)." - 教えていただきました
おしえていただきました
"I was kindly taught (by you)." - 拝見します
はいけんします
"I will take a look." - 申し上げます
もうしあげます
"I humbly say…" - 伺います (聞く)
うかがいます (きく)
"I will humbly ask." - 伺います (訪ねる)
うかがいます (たずねる)
"I will humbly visit." - お目にかかります
おめにかかります
"I will meet you." - 差し上げます
さしあげます
"I will give (to you)."
Additional Example Sentences Using 謙譲語
Here are more example sentences using 謙譲語, helping to illustrate respectful speech when discussing personal actions in various formal situations.
- 来週、お目にかかれることを楽しみにしております。
らいしゅう、おめにかかれることをたのしみにしております。
"I look forward to meeting you next week." - 社長に新しい企画をご説明させていただきます。
しゃちょうにあたらしいきかくをごせつめいさせていただきます。
"I will humbly explain the new plan to the president." - こちらの資料を拝見させていただきます。
こちらのしりょうをはいけんさせていただきます。
"I will take a look at these materials." - この件について、後ほどご報告申し上げます。
このけんについて、のちほどごほうこくもうしあげます。
"I will report back on this matter later." - 明日、貴社を訪問させていただきます。
あした、きしゃをほうもんさせていただきます。
"I will visit your company tomorrow." - 山田様にお手紙を差し上げました。
やまださまにおてがみをさしあげました。
"I sent a letter to Mr. Yamada." - ご質問があれば、私にお聞きください。
ごしつもんがあれば、わたしにおききください。
"Please feel free to ask me if you have any questions." - 先生に教えていただいた方法で勉強しました。
せんせいにおしえていただいたほうほうでべんきょうしました。
"I studied using the method my teacher kindly taught me." - 部長に確認させていただきました。
ぶちょうにかくにんさせていただきました。
"I confirmed with the manager." - お客様にこの資料をお送りしました。
おきゃくさまにこのしりょうをおおくりしました。
"I sent this document to the customer."
Using 謙譲語 effectively shows humility and respect in professional and formal settings, ensuring that the speaker is polite and deferential when describing their own actions to a superior or valued client. Mastering these forms is essential for polite Japanese communication, especially in the workplace.
