Mastering the usage of 'o-me ni kakaru' and 'go-zonji desu' to navigate high-level business interactions.
Context
The Business Meeting
You are attending a high-stakes meeting with a client. You need to confirm if they know about the new project proposal and mention that you are looking forward to meeting them in person next week.
You
たなかさま、こんかいのきかくあんはごぞんじでしょうか。
田中様、今回の企画案はご存じでしょうか。
Tanaka-sama, are you aware of this project proposal?
Tanaka
はい、しょうちしております。らいしゅうおめにかかれるのをたのしみにしております。
はい、承知しております。来週お目にかかれるのを楽しみにしております。
Yes, I am aware. I look forward to meeting you next week.
In professional settings, standard polite language (teineigo) is often insufficient. Using specific humble (kenjougo) and honorific (sonkeigo) expressions like 'o-me ni kakaru' and 'go-zonji' is essential to show appropriate respect.
Explanation
Key Honorific Expressions
We will focus on two essential N2-level keigo phrases that replace common verbs.
お目にかかる（会うの謙譲語）ご存じです（知っているの尊敬語）
'O-me ni kakaru' (お目にかかる) is the humble form of 'au' (to meet). It literally means 'to be in someone's eyes.' You use this when referring to your own action of meeting a superior or client.
'Go-zonji desu' (ご存じです) is the honorific form of 'shitte iru' (to know). Use this to ask if a superior knows something. Note that the humble equivalent for 'I know' is 'zonjite orimasu'.
Watch out
Never use 'o-me ni kakaru' for the other person's actions. It is strictly for your own actions or the actions of your group members.
Examples
Usage in Context
Observe how these expressions function in professional sentences.
Does the department manager know about tomorrow's meeting?
Usage
Register and Nuance
Choosing the correct form prevents misunderstandings in business.
Knowing vs. Meeting
ご存じです
Honorific (for others)
部長はご存じですか
存じております
Humble (for self)
はい、存じております
Which sentence is correct when speaking to a client about yourself?
社長にお会いします
✓ 社長にお目にかかります
お目にかかる is the humble form used for your own actions toward a superior.
Deep dive
Advanced Nuance
When to use 'zonjite orimasu' vs 'shitte imasu'.
While 'zonjite orimasu' is the standard humble form for 'I know,' in very formal writing or extremely stiff oral communication, you may encounter 'zonjite orimasu' as the default. Avoid using 'shitte imasu' when speaking to superiors, as it lacks the necessary humility.
Summary
Lesson Recap
Mastering these two expressions is a major step toward N2-level business fluency.
Remember: use 'o-me ni kakaru' to humble yourself when meeting others, and use 'go-zonji' to elevate the other person when asking about their knowledge. These small shifts in vocabulary significantly impact how professional you sound.