Translation guide
In Japanese, humble language (kenjōgo) is used to lower the speaker's own actions or status to show respect to the listener or a third party. It is a key part of polite speech, especially in business and formal settings.
Use special humble verbs to describe your own actions or those of your in-group when addressing someone of higher status.
Humble equivalent of 行く (to go) or 来る (to come). Used when the speaker goes or comes to a place related to a superior.
I will come to your office tomorrow.
Humble equivalent of 言う (to say). Used when the speaker says something to a superior.
My name is Tanaka. (humble)
Humble equivalent of する (to do). Used for the speaker's own actions.
I will do it. (humble)
Humble equivalent of いる (to be/exist). Used for the speaker or in-group members.
I am here. (humble)
Humble equivalent of 知る (to know) or 思う (to think).
I did not know. (humble)
Form humble verbs by adding お (for native Japanese words) or ご (for Sino-Japanese words) to the verb stem, followed by する.
Standard humble pattern for native Japanese verbs. The verb stem is the masu-form without ます.
Standard humble pattern for Sino-Japanese verbs (often two-kanji compounds).
Use humble prefixes or special nouns to refer to your own things or in-group members politely.
Use humble verbs when you give something to a superior or receive something from them.
Humble equivalent of あげる (to give). Used when the speaker gives something to someone of higher status.
I gave the documents to the department head. (humble)
Humble equivalent of もらう (to receive). Used when the speaker receives something from a superior.
Use humble patterns to offer to do something for a superior or to request permission humbly.
Humble offer: 'Shall I do ~ for you?'
Shall I carry it for you? (humble)
Very polite humble expression meaning 'I will humbly do ~'. Common in formal announcements.
We will be closed today. (humble/formal)
Humble language is only for your own actions or your in-group. Using it for a superior's actions is rude. Use honorific (尊敬語) instead.
The department head is coming. (incorrect – humble for superior)
The department head is coming. (correct – honorific)
Polite (です/ます) is neutral. Humble (謙譲語) lowers the speaker. Honorific (尊敬語) raises the other person. Choose based on who is acting.
I will contact you. (humble)
Thank you for reading my book. (humble)
先生から本をいただきました。
I received a book from the teacher. (humble)