This lesson introduces two essential Sonkeigo (respectful) verbs: いらっしゃる and おっしゃる, which are used to elevate the actions of superiors.
Context
A Professional Encounter
Imagine you are at your office. Your manager, Tanaka-san, is currently in a meeting with a client. Later, you need to ask your colleague if the manager has arrived at the office yet, or perhaps you need to relay what the manager said during the meeting.
In Japanese business settings, you cannot simply use standard polite verbs (like います or 言います) when referring to your superiors. Doing so might sound blunt or disrespectful. Instead, we use specific 'respectful' verbs (Sonkeigo) to show appropriate deference.
Explanation
Respectful Verbs: いらっしゃる & おっしゃる
These verbs replace standard verbs to elevate the subject (the person you are talking about).
SubjectがRespectful Verbます
いらっしゃる is the respectful form of 行く (to go), 来る (to come), and いる (to be). Use this when describing the movement or existence of someone you respect. For example, instead of saying 'Tanaka-san is here,' you say 'Tanaka-san is present' using this verb.
おっしゃる is the respectful form of 言う (to say). Use this when quoting or describing the speech of a superior. Note that both verbs follow standard polite conjugation rules (e.g., いらっしゃいます, おっしゃいました).
Watch out
Never use these verbs for yourself or members of your own in-group (like your own company staff) when talking to outsiders. These are exclusively for elevating others.
Examples
Seeing it in Action
Observe how these verbs replace their plain counterparts.
Which sentence correctly uses respectful language for a superior?
先生が明日ここに来ます。
✓ 先生が明日ここにいらっしゃいます。
いらっしゃいます is the respectful form of 来ます, making it appropriate for a teacher (先生).
Usage
Register and Nuance
Understanding when to use these forms is key to sounding natural.
Standard vs. Respectful
言う
Plain form
言います
おっしゃる
Respectful form
おっしゃいます
Note
These verbs are used in 'Sonkeigo' (respectful language). They are common in customer service and corporate communication. If you use them with friends, it will sound sarcastic or overly formal.
Is it appropriate to say '私は明日いらっしゃいます'?
Yes, it is very polite.
✓ No, you should not use respectful verbs for yourself.
Respectful verbs are only for others. Using them for yourself is grammatically incorrect in terms of social etiquette.
Deep dive
Advanced Notes
A few extra details for the curious learner.
Note that いらっしゃる is also used in the progressive form as いらっしゃっている (e.g., 'He is currently staying at the hotel'). Additionally, おっしゃる is a special verb; despite ending in -ru, it conjugates like a group 1 verb (おっしゃいます, not おっしゃります).
Summary
Lesson Recap
In this lesson, we covered two pillars of Sonkeigo: いらっしゃる (to be, go, come) and おっしゃる (to say). Always use these to elevate the actions of superiors in formal settings, but remember to avoid using them for yourself.