Translation guide
Describing oneself or one's actions in a humble or modest way, often to downplay achievements or avoid standing out. In Japanese, this is a core social skill expressed through specific humble language (kenjōgo), self-effacing phrases, and cultural attitudes.
To speak humbly about your own actions or state when interacting with someone of higher status, in formal situations, or to show respect.
A standard humble pattern where you use the honorific prefix お (for native Japanese words) or ご (for Sino-Japanese words) with the verb stem and する. This lowers your own action to elevate the listener.
I will wait (humbly).
I will guide you (humbly).
The humble equivalent of する (to do). Used in formal speech or business settings to refer to your own actions.
I will do it (humbly).
The humble equivalent of 言う (to say). Used when referring to your own speech, especially when introducing yourself or speaking to a superior.
I am called Tanaka (humbly).
The humble equivalent of 行く (to go) or 来る (to come). Used for your own movement toward a respected person or place.
I will go/come to you tomorrow (humbly).
The humble equivalent of いる (to be/exist). Used to refer to your own presence or state in a humble way.
I am here (humbly).
To downplay your skills, accomplishments, or qualities in a social context, often to show modesty or to avoid appearing arrogant.
Literally 'not yet, not yet,' meaning you still have a long way to go. A common, humble response to compliments.
A: Your Japanese is good. B: No, I still have a lot to learn.
An expression of strong denial when praised, meaning 'not at all,' 'unthinkable,' or 'don't be ridiculous.' It humbly rejects the compliment.
A self-deprecating phrase meaning 'someone like me' or 'as for me (I'm not worthy).' Used to humble oneself before stating an opinion or ability.
Someone like me still has a long way to go.
Means 'it's nothing special' or 'no big deal.' Used to downplay your own achievement or skill.
My cooking is nothing special.
To characterize a person who often makes fun of themselves or downplays their own worth, often as a comedic or personality trait.
The most direct adjective meaning 'self-deprecating' or 'self-mocking.' Often used to describe humor or a personality trait.
He often tells self-deprecating jokes.
Literally 'to belittle oneself.' A more formal or serious way to describe self-deprecation, often implying low self-esteem rather than humor.
Means 'self-mocking' or 'self-ridiculing.' Similar to 自虐的 but slightly more literary and less common in everyday speech.
To make your own belongings, family, or qualities sound humble when speaking to someone of higher status.
A very humble, old-fashioned way to refer to your own wife. Literally 'foolish wife.' Rarely used today except in formal or joking contexts.
My foolish wife is indebted to you (very humble).
A humble term for your own home, meaning 'my humble abode.' Used in formal invitations or letters.
While self-deprecation is a valued social skill in Japan, directly translating humble phrases into English can sound overly negative or lacking in confidence. In cross-cultural situations, it's often better to accept compliments gracefully in English while still using humble forms in Japanese.
Your Japanese is good.
Humble language (kenjōgo) lowers the speaker's actions to show respect, while honorific language (sonkeigo) raises the listener's actions. For example, 申す (humble 'say') vs. おっしゃる (honorific 'say'). Self-deprecation often uses humble forms.
I say (humble) vs. The teacher said (honorific)
A: That was a wonderful presentation. B: Not at all (don't mention it).
She is always putting herself down.
自嘲的な笑みを浮かべた。
He gave a self-deprecating smile.
Please come to my humble home.