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humble form of verb
Definition
The grammar pattern 'お + Verb (masu-stem) + する / ご + Noun + する' is used to express humility when the speaker's action involves or benefits the person they are showing respect to. This pattern lowers the speaker's position, indicating a sense of modesty or deference. It is often used in formal situations, such as when speaking to someone of higher authority or age. The use of 'ご' before a noun emphasizes the respect being shown, while the use of 'お' before a verb emphasizes the speaker's humility. This pattern is a key aspect of formal Japanese expression and is essential for effective communication in polite situations.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu-stem verb | お + Verb (masu-stem) + する | お礼する (to express gratitude) |
| Noun | ご + Noun + する | ご紹介する (to introduce) |
| Suru-verb | ご + Verb (base) + する | ご案内する (to guide) |
Examples
重そうな荷物ですね。私がお手伝いすることになります。
omousa na tsukurimashou ne. watashi ga o-te-dama-suru koto ni narimashou.
Those are heavy packages. I'll help you with them.
重そうな荷物ですね。 (Those are heavy packages.) 私が (I) お手伝いする (will help) ことになります (it will be like this).
駅まで車でお送りします。
eki made kuruma de o-matoi shimasu.
I'll send you to the station by car.
駅まで (to the station) 車で (by car) お送りします (I'll send you).
明日の午前中にこちらからまたお声掛けします。
ashita no go-kanjou ni kochira kara mata o-koe-kake shimasu.
I'll call you again from here tomorrow morning.
明日の午前中に (tomorrow morning)こちらから (from here) また (again) お声掛けします (I'll call you).
Context
This pattern is used in formal situations to express humility and respect. It is often used when speaking to someone of higher authority or age. The use of 'ご' before a noun emphasizes the respect being shown, while the use of 'お' before a verb emphasizes the speaker's humility. This pattern is a key aspect of formal Japanese expression and is essential for effective communication in polite situations.
Watch out
Using this pattern to describe the listener's actions can be seen as insulting, as it humbles the listener. Instead, use the polite form of the verb to describe the listener's actions.
This pattern is used to express humility and respect, so it should only be used for actions that involve or benefit the person being respected. Using it for actions that don't relate to the person being respected can come across as insincere or pretentious.
Some verbs have special humble forms, such as 'moushu-ageru'. Use the special humble form instead of the 'お + Verb (masu-stem) + する' pattern.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use it correctly to express humility and respect. Pay attention to the context and only use it for actions that involve or benefit the person being respected. Also, be careful not to use it with verbs that have special humble forms.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows お + Verb (masu-stem) + する / ご + Noun + する used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
重そうな荷物ですね。私がお持ちします。
Pattern used: お持ちします
When offering to do something for someone else, use the humble 'o ~ suru' to lower yourself.
駅まで車でお送りします。
Pattern used: お送りします
The speaker is performing the favor of driving, so the humble 'o-okuri shimasu' is correct.
明日の午前中にこちらからまたお電話します。
Pattern used: お電話します
When the speaker is calling the client, 'o-denwa shimasu' is the humble and polite way to state the action.
Interactive
重そうな荷物ですね。私が______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.