Humble language is an important way of speaking that elevates the listener by humbly expressing one’s own actions or state.
On this page, we will explain in detail the basic meaning of humble language, the differences between Type 1 and Type 2, and how to use each, along with specific examples.
Furthermore, let’s also learn the differences from honorific language and polite language, and points to note for effectively using humble language, to acquire more natural and refined Japanese expressions.
This page aims to help Japanese language learners correctly understand the concept of humble language for showing respect to others, and to be able to use it appropriately in specific situations.
What Is Humble Language?
Humble language is an expression that shows respect to the listener or a third party by humbly stating one’s own actions or state.
Elevating the other person is important for building smooth human relationships and gaining trust in business settings.
Honorific language elevates the other person, polite language makes words polite, while humble language is characterized by expressing respect to the other person by lowering oneself.
The following are examples of honorific language, humble language, and polite language.
| Word | Honorific Language | Humble Language | Polite Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 行く | いらっしゃる | 伺う、参る | 行きます |
| 言う | おっしゃる | 申す、申し上げる | 言います |
| する | なさる | いたす | します |
| 食べる | 召し上がる | いただく | 食べます |
| 見る | ご覧になる | 拝見する | 見ます |
| 聞く | お聞きになる | 伺う | 聞きます |
| 会う | お会いになる | お目にかかる | 会います |
| いる | いらっしゃる | おります | います |
Types and Usage of Humble Language
Humble language is mainly divided into two types, Type 1 Humble Language and Type 2 Humble Language, depending on their function.
Type 1 Humble Language
Type 1 Humble Language is used when one’s own actions are directed towards the listener or a third party.
By making oneself appear lower, it has the effect of placing the listener or third party in a higher position.
言う → 申す、申し上げる
社長にご報告を申し上げます。
行く → 伺う
明日、お客様の会社へ伺います。
する → いたす
お客様にご連絡いたします。
食べる、飲む → いただく
お料理をいただきます。
見る → 拝見する
教授の作品を拝見する。
聞く、尋ねる → 伺う
部長のご意見を伺います。
会う → お目にかかる
社長にお目にかかるのを楽しみにしております。
Type 2 Humble Language
Type 2 Humble Language is used when politely stating one’s own actions, affiliation, or matters to the listener or a third party.
It is an expression to convey information politely without being rude to the other person.
いる → おります
私は会社におります。
言う → 申します
私は田中と申します。
する → いたします
この件、私が対応いたします。
行く、来る → 参ります
明日、 社長の元へ参ります。
ある → ございます
こちらは私の車でございます。
The distinction between Type 1 and Type 2 humble language lies in how respect is shown to the other person.
Type 1 humble language shows respect by humbling one’s actions directed towards the listener or a third party.
On the other hand, Type 2 humble language is used when politely stating one’s own actions, affiliation, or matters themselves to the listener.
For example, ‘伺う’ is used when going to the other person’s place (Type 1 humble language), and ‘参ります’ is used when one is going somewhere (Type 2 humble language), illustrating how they are distinguished.
Points to Note When Using Humble Language
Humble language is very effective for showing respect to others, but if used incorrectly, it can sound unnatural or even be impolite.
Excessive Use
Humble language is sometimes mistakenly used with phrases like ‘～させていただく’, but excessive use makes it unnatural.
× 会社にお伺いさせていただきます。
○ 会社に伺います。
× 社長にお話させていただきます。
○ 社長にお話いたします。
× 部長の資料を拝見させていただきます。
○ 部長の資料を拝見します。
Distinction Between Humble Language and Honorific Language
Since humble language and honorific language have different roles, it is important to distinguish between them.
For the actions of a superior, humble language is not used; honorific language is used.
× 社長が申される。
○ 社長がおっしゃる。
× 社長が料理をいただく。
○ 社長が料理を召し上がる。
× 社長が新しい会社を拝見される。
○ 社長が新しい会社をご覧になる。