Formal Keigo Lesson 2
Mastering the advanced usage of Kenjougo (humble language) and Sonkeigo (respectful language) for professional business interactions.
Professional Scenarios
Imagine you are meeting a client for the first time. You need to express your own actions with humility while showing high respect for the client's actions. Using standard polite language (Desu/Masu) is often insufficient in high-stakes business environments.
しりょうはもうかくにんされましたか？
資料はもう確認されましたか？
Have you already checked the documents?
はい、はいけんいたしました。
はい、拝見いたしました。
Yes, I have humbly viewed them.
The Humble and Respectful System
To elevate the listener, we use Sonkeigo (Respectful). To lower oneself, we use Kenjougo (Humble).
Watch out
Examples in Practice
Observe how these verbs change based on who is performing the action.
社長が帰られました。
The president has returned (Respectful).
私が案内いたします。
I will guide you (Humble).
明日、伺います。
I will visit tomorrow (Humble).
Which sentence correctly uses Humble language (Kenjougo) to describe your own action?
- 私が社長にお話しになります。
- ✓ 私が社長にお話しいたします。
- 社長が私にお話しいたします。
お話しいたします uses the humble 'itasu' to describe the speaker's action toward the president.
Register and Nuance
Keigo is about distance and hierarchy. Using it incorrectly can sound sarcastic or overly stiff.
Politeness Levels
帰る
Casual
帰る
帰ります
Polite
帰ります
お帰りになる
Respectful
お帰りになる
When speaking to your own boss about a client, which is most appropriate?
- ✓ クライアント様がお見えになりました。
- クライアント様が来ました。
- クライアント様が来られます。
お見えになる is the appropriate respectful form for a client's arrival.
Special Exceptions
Some verbs do not follow the 'o-stem-suru' rule and have unique, set forms.
Lesson Recap
Keigo requires distinguishing between the person being honored and the person performing the action. Always use humble forms for yourself and respectful forms for others.