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to do (honorific)
Definition
The grammar pattern 'お + V-ます stem + になる' is used to describe the actions of someone of higher status in a respectful manner. It is formed by adding the honorific particle 'お' to the masu-stem of a verb and then adding the potential form 'になる'. This pattern is often used to express that someone has done something, such as reading a book or watching a movie, in a polite and respectful way. For example, '先生はその本を読みました' can be expressed as '先生はその本をお読みになりました'. This pattern is not suitable for describing one's own actions, as it would be considered too humble. Instead, the pattern 'o~suru' should be used for one's own actions.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu-stem | お + V-ます stem + になる | 読む → お読みになる |
| Masu-stem with special honorific forms | Not applicable (use ご～になる instead) | いく → ごいらっしゃる |
| Masu-stem with する verbs | Not applicable (use ご～になる instead) | する → ごする |
Examples
先生、もうそのニュースを読みましたか。
Sensei, mō sono nyūsu o yomimashita ka.
The teacher has already read the news, hasn't she?
先生 (teacher), もう (already), そのニュース (that news), を (object marker), 読みました (read), か (question particle)
社長は、さきほどこのプロジェクトを完成しました。
Shachō wa, saki no koro kono purojekuto o kanseishimashita.
The CEO has just completed this project.
社長 (CEO), は (topic marker), さきほど (just now), このプロジェクト (this project), を (object marker), 完成しました (completed)
どうぞ、こちらに座ります。
Dōzo, kochira ni suwatemasu.
Please sit down over here.
どうぞ (please),こちらに (over here), 座ります (sit down)
Context
This pattern is used to express respect and politeness when describing the actions of someone of higher status. It is not suitable for describing one's own actions, as it would be considered too humble. Instead, the pattern 'o~suru' should be used for one's own actions. This pattern can be used in formal and polite situations, such as in business or in formal writing.
Watch out
Using 'お + V-ます stem + になる' to describe one's own actions would be considered too humble and is not suitable for polite conversation.
Verbs that have special honorific forms, such as 'いく', require the use of ご～になる instead of 'お + V-ます stem + になる'.
'ni naru' is used to express potentiality, while 'o suru' is used to express respect and politeness. The correct pattern should be used depending on the situation.
Strategy
When taking the JLPT, be careful not to confuse 'お + V-ます stem + になる' with other patterns, such as 'ni naru' or 'o suru'. Make sure to use the correct pattern depending on the situation and the level of politeness required.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows お + V-ます stem + になる used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
先生、もうそのニュースをお読みになりましたか。
Pattern used: お読みになり
Honorific form 'o~ni naru' is used for the teacher's action.
社長は、さきほどお帰りになりました。
Pattern used: お帰りになり
Used to show respect to the company president's action.
どうぞ、こちらにお座りにください。
Pattern used: お座りに
Combined with 'kudasai' for a respectful request.
Interactive
先生、もうそのニュースを______ましたか。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.