N4Honorifics

お + V-ます stem + する

Q: Is "Using this pattern to describe someone else's actions." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the respectful "o~ni naru" pattern instead.". This pattern is used to express one's own actions in a humble manner, not someone else's actions.

Q: Is "Using this pattern with verbs that have special humble forms." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the special humble form instead.". Verbs like "suru" have special humble forms like "itasu", which should be used instead of this pattern.

Q: Is "Using this pattern for actions that don't involve a superior." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use a more neutral pattern instead.". This pattern is used to express one's own actions in a humble manner, particularly when those actions involve or affect someone of higher status.

to do (humble)

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "お + V-ます stem + する" is used to express one's own actions in a humble manner, particularly when those actions involve or affect someone of higher status. This pattern is a way to show respect and politeness by downplaying one's own agency. For example, saying "お持ちする" instead of "持つ" implies that you are not the one doing the holding, but rather, you are doing it for someone else's benefit. This pattern is often used in formal or professional settings to convey a sense of humility and respect.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Masu-stem	お + V-ます stem + する/します	持つ → お持ちする
Special humble forms	ご～する	案内する → ご案内する
Descriptive verbs	お + V-ます stem + する/します	見る → お見る

Examples

Example Sentences

荷物を持ちましょうか。

Tsumami o motte shimashou ka.

Shall we carry the luggage?

荷物 (luggage), 持ち (carry), ましょう (let's do), か (question particle)

後で先生にお電話します。

Ato de sensei ni o denwa shimasu.

I'll call the teacher later.

後で (later), 先生 (teacher), お電話 (call), します (do)

駅まで行きます。

Eki made ikimasu.

I'll go to the station.

駅 (station), まで (to), 行き (go), ます (do)

彼女にお茶をご案内します。

Kanojo ni o-cha o go annai shimasu.

I'll introduce her to tea.

彼女 (her), お茶 (tea), ご案内 (introduce), します (do)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to express one's own actions in a humble manner, particularly when those actions involve or affect someone of higher status. It is often used in formal or professional settings to convey a sense of humility and respect. In contrast, the pattern "お + V-ます stem + します" is more formal and polite, while "V-ます stem + する/します" is more neutral. This pattern is not used to describe actions that do not involve a superior.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using this pattern to describe someone else's actions.

Use the respectful "o~ni naru" pattern instead.

This pattern is used to express one's own actions in a humble manner, not someone else's actions.

Using this pattern with verbs that have special humble forms.

Use the special humble form instead.

Verbs like "suru" have special humble forms like "itasu", which should be used instead of this pattern.

Using this pattern for actions that don't involve a superior.

Use a more neutral pattern instead.

This pattern is used to express one's own actions in a humble manner, particularly when those actions involve or affect someone of higher status.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

Be careful not to confuse this pattern with other polite or formal patterns. Pay attention to the context and the verb used to determine which pattern is correct.

In context