N2#keigo#kenjougo#business-japanese#n2-grammar

Formal Keigo Lesson 6

This lesson covers the advanced usage of 謙譲語 (Kenjougo) specifically focusing on the humble verbs 'おる' and 'まいる' and their role in professional communication.

Context

Professional Communication

In a Japanese business setting, you often need to refer to your own actions or the actions of your company. When speaking to a client or a superior, using standard polite language (Teineigo) is often insufficient. You must use Humble Language (Kenjougo) to lower yourself and elevate the listener.

Imagine you are calling a client to inform them that you are arriving at their office. Instead of saying 'I am going' (行きます), you must use a humble form to show respect for the client's time and position.

Explanation

Humble Verbs: おる and まいる

For N2 level, mastering specific humble verbs is essential. 'おる' is the humble equivalent of 'いる' (to be) and 'ある' (to exist). 'まいる' is the humble equivalent of '行く' (to go) and '来る' (to come).

SubjectはPlaceにおる/まいるます

When you use 'おる', you are humbly describing your own state or existence. When you use 'まいる', you are humbly describing your movement toward the listener or a location associated with the listener.

Watch out

Never use 'おる' or 'まいる' for the actions of your superiors or clients. These are strictly for your own actions or the actions of your in-group (e.g., your company colleagues).

Examples

Examples in Context

Observe how these verbs shift the focus to the speaker's humility.

ただいま、受付(うけつけ)におります。

I am currently at the reception desk.

ただいまただいまjust now受付うけつけreceptionににatおりますおりますam (humble)

明日(あした)、そちらに参ります(まいります)。

I will go there tomorrow.

明日あしたtomorrowそちらそちらthere (polite)ににto参りますまいりますwill go (humble)

担当者は現在、会議室に【おります】。

Hint: Humble form of 'to be' (いる)

The person in charge is currently in the meeting room.

Usage

Register and Nuance

Understanding when to use these verbs is key to sounding like a native professional.

Polite vs. Humble

います

Standard polite (Teineigo)

会議室にいます

おります

Humble (Kenjougo)

会議室におります

Which sentence is appropriate when speaking to a client about your boss?

部長は今、会議室におります。
✓ 部長は今、会議室にいらっしゃいます。

When referring to your own boss, you must use Sonkeigo (respectful language) like 'いらっしゃいます' because you are elevating the boss in the eyes of the client, not humbling them.

Deep dive

Deep Dive: The 'In-Group' Rule

A common mistake is using humble language for your own team members when speaking to someone outside your company.

In Japanese business culture, your entire company is considered your 'in-group' (uchi). When speaking to an 'out-group' (soto) person, you must humble your colleagues just as you humble yourself. Therefore, saying '部長は会議室におります' is correct when talking to a client, because you are humbling your boss relative to the client.

Summary

Recap

Use 'おる' for humble existence and 'まいる' for humble movement. Always remember the distinction between humble language (for yourself/in-group) and respectful language (for others).

参る

まいるverb

to go/come (humble)

おる

おるverb

to be (humble)

受付

うけつけnoun

reception

担当者

たんとうしゃnoun

person in charge