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humble form of do
Definition
The grammar pattern "いたす / お + Verb (masu-stem) + いたす" is used to describe one's own actions or those of one's group in a formal context. It is the humble equivalent of 'suru' and is used to show politeness and respect. This pattern is often used in situations where the speaker wants to convey a sense of humility or deference, such as when apologizing for a delay or expressing gratitude. The use of "お + masu-stem + itasu" is even more humble than 'o ~ suru' and is often used in formal or business settings.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu-stem form | お + Verb (masu-stem) + いたす | お待たせ |
| Masu-stem form with honorific suffix | お + Verb (masu-stem) + いたします | お手伝いいたします |
| Masu-stem form with polite suffix | お + Verb (masu-stem) + いたします | お礼いたします |
Examples
大変お待たせしました。こちらがご注文の品です。
Taihen o matase shimashita. Kōra ga go chūmon no mon desu.
I'm terribly sorry for the delay. Here is your order.
大変お待たせしました (I'm terribly sorry for the delay) こちらがご注文の品です (Here is your order)
会場のご案内は、私がお手伝いいたします。
Kaishas no go annai wa, watashi ga o te o itashimasu.
I will guide you to the venue.
会場のご案内は (I will guide you to the venue) 私が (I) お手伝い (help) いたします (will do)
部長のご指示通りに、準備をお手伝いいたします。
Bucho no go shiji tsū ni, junbi o o te o itashimasu.
I will help with the preparations according to the department head's instructions.
部長のご指示通りに (according to the department head's instructions) 準備を (preparations) お手伝い (help) いたします (will do)
ご迷惑おかけいたしました。
Go meiwaku o kake itashimashita.
I'm sorry for the trouble.
ご迷惑 (trouble) おかけ (cause) いたしました (I'm sorry)
ご協力お願いいたします。
Go kyōryoku o negai itashimasu.
I would like your cooperation.
ご協力 (cooperation) お願い (request) いたします (I would like)
Context
This pattern is used in formal or business settings to convey a sense of humility or deference. It is often used when apologizing for a delay or expressing gratitude. The use of "お + masu-stem + itasu" is even more humble than 'o ~ suru' and is often used in situations where the speaker wants to show respect or politeness.
Watch out
This pattern is used to describe one's own actions or those of one's group, not the listener's actions.
While both patterns share a similar form, they have different meanings and uses.
This pattern is often used in set phrases like 'Shitsurei itashimasu' to convey a sense of humility or deference.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the speaker's intention when using this pattern. Make sure to use the correct form and suffixes to convey the intended meaning. Practice using this pattern in different situations to improve your proficiency.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows いたす / お + Verb (masu-stem) + いたす used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
大変お待たせいたしました。こちらがご注文の品です。
Pattern used: いたしました
'O-matase itashimashita' is a set humble phrase meaning 'I am sorry to have kept you waiting'.
会場のご案内は、私がいたします。
Pattern used: いたします
When the speaker is the one doing the guiding, the humble 'itashimasu' should be used.
部長のご指示通りに、準備をいたしました。
Pattern used: いたしました
The speaker is reporting their own completed preparation to a superior, requiring the humble 'itashimashita'.
Interactive
大変お待たせ______。こちらがご注文の品です。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.