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to do (humble)
Definition
The grammar pattern 'いたす (itasu)' is used to express one's own actions in a humble manner when speaking to someone of higher status. This pattern is a humble version of the verb 'suru' and is often used to show respect or deference to the listener. For example, when speaking to a superior, one might say '私がこれをいたします' (I will do this) instead of '私がこれをします' (I will do this). This pattern is not used to describe actions performed by others, but rather one's own actions.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu form of the verb | Verb + ます | 食べます |
| Masu form of the verb with する | Verb + する + ます | 食べる + する + ます |
| Masu form of the verb with する and いたす | Verb + する + いたす | 食べる + する + いたす |
Examples
私がこれをいたします。
Watashi ga kore o itasimasu.
I will do this.
私 (watashi) = I, これ (kore) = this, を (o) = object marker, いたします (itasimasu) = humble version of 'suru'
失礼いたします。
Shitsurei itasimasu.
Excuse me.
失礼 (shitsurei) = excuse me, いたします (itasimasu) = humble version of 'suru'
よろしくお願いいたします。
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Please take care of me.
よろしく (yoroshiku) = take care of, お願い (onegaishimasu) = please, いたします (itasimasu) = humble version of 'suru'
私が彼にこれをいたします。
Watashi ga kare ni kore o itasimasu.
I will do this for him.
私 (watashi) = I, 彼 (kare) = him, これ (kore) = this, を (o) = object marker, いたします (itasimasu) = humble version of 'suru'
Context
The grammar pattern 'いたす (itasu)' is used to express one's own actions in a humble manner when speaking to someone of higher status. This pattern is not used to describe actions performed by others. It is often used in formal or polite situations.
Watch out
The pattern 'する (nasaru)' is used to describe actions performed by others, while 'いたす (itasu)' is used to describe one's own actions.
The pattern 'いたす (itasu)' is used in formal or polite situations, while more casual patterns are used in informal situations.
The pattern 'する (irassharu)' is used to express a request or invitation, while 'いたす (itasu)' is used to express one's own actions.
Strategy
When using the pattern 'いたす (itasu)' in the JLPT exam, make sure to use it to express one's own actions in a humble manner, and avoid using it to describe actions performed by others. Also, be aware of the formal or polite nature of this pattern and use it accordingly.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows いたす (itasu) used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
私がいたします。
Pattern used: いた
Humble 'itasu' is used for the speaker's own action.
失礼いたします。
Pattern used: いたし
Standard humble greeting meaning 'Excuse me'.
よろしくお願いいたします。
Pattern used: いたします
Humble form used in formal requests/greetings.
Interactive
私が______します。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.