Honorifics Introduction Lesson 1
An introduction to Sonkeigo (respectful language) focusing on the special honorific verbs いらっしゃる and おっしゃる.
Entering the World of Keigo
Imagine you are visiting a client's office or speaking with a professor. Using standard polite Japanese (desu/masu form) is good, but to show true respect, you need to use 'Sonkeigo' (respectful language).
ぶちょう、おきゃくさまがいらっしゃいました。
部長、お客様がいらっしゃいました。
Manager, a guest has arrived.
Special Honorific Verbs
Some common verbs have unique 'honorific' versions. These replace the standard verb when you are talking about the actions of someone you respect.
Watch out
Examples in Context
See how these verbs transform standard sentences into respectful ones.
先生はどちらにいらっしゃいますか。
Where is the teacher?
社長がそうおっしゃいました。
The president said so.
明日、東京にいらっしゃいますか。
Are you coming to Tokyo tomorrow?
先生が「また明日」と【おっしゃいました】。
Hint: Honorific for 'said' (past tense)
The teacher said 'See you tomorrow'.
Register and Nuance
These verbs are essential for professional settings, but they can sound overly formal in casual conversation.
Standard vs Honorific
言う
Standard
言いました
おっしゃる
Respectful
おっしゃいました
Which sentence is most appropriate when speaking to your boss about a client?
- お客様が来ました。
- ✓ お客様がいらっしゃいました。
いらっしゃいました is the correct honorific form for a guest's arrival.
Deep Dive: Conjugation
いらっしゃる and おっしゃる are group 1 verbs, but they have unique polite forms.
Summary
Mastering these two verbs is your first step into the world of Japanese honorifics. Remember: use them to elevate others, never yourself.