auxiliary verb
polite auxiliary verb
Attaches to the -masu stem of a verb to express politeness toward the listener or reader. The standard polite form in modern Japanese.
明日は学校に行きます。
I will go to school tomorrow.
ここで待ちます。
I will wait here.
auxiliary verb
archaic humble auxiliary verb
Archaic use expressing respect toward those affected by the action. Not used in modern Japanese; replaced by other humble constructions.
古典では「申します」のように、動作の受け手への敬意を表すことがある。
In classical texts, forms like 申します can express respect toward the recipient of the action.
Derived from the classical auxiliary verb まいらする (mairasuru), a humble form meaning 'to humbly do'. Over time it was shortened and grammaticalized into the modern polite auxiliary ます.