Humble (謙譲語/Kenjougo)
When referring to him or herself in business, the Japanese will use a form called Kenjougo (謙譲語), or the humble form. 謙譲語 is derived from three characters, 謙 meaning modesty, 譲 meaning offer or yield (to another person), and 語 meaning language, and the form essentially tries to show respect by deliberately refering to oneself lower than the listerner (who typically are of higher rank or position).
| English | Japanese - Casual | Japanese - Humble |
| do | suru ― する | itasu ― 致す |
| go (meet or visit) | iku ― 行く | ukagau ― うかがう or mairu ― 参る |
| look | miru ― 見る | haikensuru ― 拝見する |
| say | iu ― 言う | moushiageru ― 申し上げる |
Examples
It is important to reiterate that these words are used to refer to yourself (or even your colleagues when speaking to a client). Never use it referring to your client or someone of higher status.
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For example, you can say
今朝資料を拝見しました。 (Pronounced: Kesa Shiryou wo haiken shimashita)
Meaning "I have looked at the documents this morning." with the verb 拝見 indicating you are lower in status.
But you cannot say the following to a client.
今朝資料を拝見しましたか？ （Pronounced: Kesa Shiryou wo haiken shimashitaka)
As this would make the client seem as if lower than the speaker, which can sound strange or even rude.
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Note, if you want to ask the question above to your client, you will instead use the Sonkeigo(or the Respectful) form.
Keigo Category Links