謙譲語 | Humble Japanese

Lowering Yourself to Raise Them

謙譲語(けんじょうご) describes your own actions humbly. The effect is the same as 尊敬語(そんけいご) — showing respect — but from the opposite direction.

Two systems, one purpose. Which you use depends on whose action it is.

Compare 尊敬語(そんけいご)'s お + stem + になる. One kana apart, opposite direction — and the most common keigo mistake there is.

Pattern	Whose action
お持(も)ちになる	theirs (honorific)
お持(も)ちする	mine (humble)

Humble forms cover your family and your company. Speaking to a customer, your own boss gets 謙譲(けんじょう)語(ご), not 尊敬(そんけい)語(かたり):

No さん, no honorific — because he is on your side of the line.

The humble request form, and the politest in everyday use:

See てもらう for the plainer versions.

Example Sentences

Tap any sentence to hear it read aloud.

Speed

明日(あした)、そちらへ参(まい)ります。

I'll come to you tomorrow.

田中(たなか)と申(もう)します。

My name is Tanaka.

お手紙(てがみ)を拝見(はいけん)しました。

I've read your letter.

お荷物(にもつ)をお持(も)ちします。

Let me carry your bag.

ありがたくいただきます。

I'll gratefully accept it.

田中(たなか)は席(せき)を外(はず)しております。

Tanaka is away from his desk at the moment.

手伝(てつだ)っていただけませんか。

Could I trouble you for some help?

私(わたし)がご案内(あんない)いたします。

I'll show you the way.