4 key grammar patterns
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Part 1: Introduction to Honorifics (敬語(けいご))
Sentence Pattern
Honorifics (敬語 ):
• Respectful language (尊敬語 ): Shows respect to the other person by using respectful language to talk about things and events related to the other person.
• Humble language (謙譲語 ): Shows respect to the other person by using humble language to talk about things related to oneself, lowering oneself one level below the other person.
• Polite language (丁寧語 ): Maintains a formal, polite level.
• Respectful language (
• Humble language (
• Polite language (
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Part 2: Respectful Language (尊敬語(そんけいご))
Sentence Pattern
Respectful Language (尊敬語 ) has 3 usages:
Method 1: Conjugate Verbs into Passive Form
Method 2: お V(ます) になります
Note:
• Do not use with one-syllable verbs when conjugated to masu form, such as:見 ます, 寝 ます...
• Do not use with Group 3 verbs.
Method 3: Some special verbs:
行 きます / 来 ます / 居 ます → いらっしゃいます
食 べます / 飲 みます → 召 し上 がります
言 います → おっしゃいます
知 っています → ご存知 です
見 ます → ご覧 になります
します → なさいます
くれます → くださいます
Explanation & Guidelines
＊Respectful Language (尊敬語 ):
Method 3 is more polite than Method 2, and Method 2 is more polite than Method 1. Therefore, Method 3 is usually preferred. For verbs that cannot be conjugated using Method 3, we conjugate to Method 2, then Method 1.
When using "Respectful Language", note that the verb indicates the action or state of the person being respected, not one's own action.
Besides verbs, some nouns, adjectives, and adverbs can also become "Respectful Language" in the following way:
お is usually used with native Japanese words
ご is usually used with words of Chinese origin
Method 1: Conjugate Verbs into Passive Form
Method 2: お V(ます) になります
Note:
• Do not use with one-syllable verbs when conjugated to masu form, such as:
• Do not use with Group 3 verbs.
Method 3: Some special verbs:
します → なさいます
くれます → くださいます
Explanation & Guidelines
＊Respectful Language (
Method 3 is more polite than Method 2, and Method 2 is more polite than Method 1. Therefore, Method 3 is usually preferred. For verbs that cannot be conjugated using Method 3, we conjugate to Method 2, then Method 1.
When using "Respectful Language", note that the verb indicates the action or state of the person being respected, not one's own action.
Besides verbs, some nouns, adjectives, and adverbs can also become "Respectful Language" in the following way:
お is usually used with native Japanese words
ご is usually used with words of Chinese origin
Example Sentences (6)
社長、この本は 読まれましたか。
ええ、もう 読みました。
ええ、もう 読みました。
→ A: President, have you read this book? B: Yes, I have already read it.
きのうの会議に 出られましたか。
はい、出ました。
はい、出ました。
→ A: Did you attend yesterday's meeting? B: Yes, I did.
先生、いつ 新しいパソコンを お買いになりましたか。
先週 買いました。
先週 買いました。
→ A: Teacher, when did you buy your new computer? B: I bought it last week.
お疲れになりましたか。
ええ、ちょっと 疲れました。
ええ、ちょっと 疲れました。
→ A: Are you tired? B: Yes, a little tired.
田中さんの 息子さんが 大学に 合格したのを ご存知ですか。
いいえ、ちっとも 知りませんでした。
いいえ、ちっとも 知りませんでした。
→ A: Do you know that Mr. Tanaka's son passed the university entrance exam? B: No, I didn't know at all.
先生は どのくらい ベトナムに いらっしゃいますか。
３年います。
３年います。
→ A: Teacher, how long will you be in Vietnam? B: I'll be here for 3 years.
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Part 3: Respectful form of V-tekudasai
Sentence Pattern
おV(ます)ください
This is the respectful form of V-tekudasai (Please do ~)
Example Sentences (2)
係りの者に聞いて来ますので、ちょっと お待ちください。
→ I will go ask the person in charge and come back, so please wait a moment.
この ボールペンを お使いください。
→ Please use this ballpoint pen.
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Part 4: ～ます in polite speech
Sentence Pattern
V(ます)まして / V(ます)ので / V(ます)のに
In spoken language, verbs are sometimes used like: V-mashite, V-masu node, V-masu noni... to show a more formal and polite tone.
Example Sentences (2)
ハンスが ゆうべ 熱を 出しまして、けさも まだ 下がらないんです。
→ Hans had a fever last night, and it still hasn't gone down this morning.
きょうは 学校を 休ませますので、先生に よろしく お伝えください。
→ I'm having my child take the day off from school today, so please pass on my regards to the teacher.
