Very polite speech
Conjugations, Stage 4chunk 2 of 6Grammar patterns
Understand and use the keigo of shops, offices and polite requests.
- gozaimasuis; there is, we have (very polite)
- -te itadakerucould you (kindly)
- -te kudasarukindly do (for me), said of someone above you
- -sasete itadakuhumbly do; allow me to
Mix-ups kudasaru (they kindly do it for you) vs itadaku (you humbly receive it).
gozaimasu
is; there is, we have (very polite)
Shop and hotel staff use it in place of desu and arimasu; you mostly hear it rather than say it.
Make it noun + de gozaimasu (= desu); noun + ga gozaimasu (= arimasu)
The dictionary form gozaru is archaic. You do say it in set phrases: arigatou gozaimasu, ohayou gozaimasu, omedetou gozaimasu.
kochira ga atarashii moderu de gozaimasu
This is the new model.
こちらが新しいモデルでございます
Rank #1374 in 3,030 TV dramas
-te itadakeru
could you (kindly)
The standard polite request to strangers, staff and people at work; -te itadakemasen ka is softer still.
Make it -te form + itadakemasu ka / itadakemasen ka
One step politer than -te moraemasu ka. Literally 'can I receive the favour of you doing'.
sumimasen, shashin totte itadakemasu ka
Excuse me, could you take our photo?
すみません、写真撮っていただけますか
Rank #2197 in 3,030 TV dramas
-te kudasaru
kindly do (for me), said of someone above you
The respectful -te kureru: a teacher, boss or customer does something for you.
Make it -te form + kudasaru (masu form: kudasaimasu)
Polite -te kudasaimasu
Common in thanks: 'kite kudasatte arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you for coming). -te kudasai is its request form; never use it for your own actions.
sensei ga eki made okutte kudasatta n da
My teacher kindly took me to the station.
先生が駅まで送ってくださったんだ
sensei ga eki made okutte kudasaimashita
My teacher was kind enough to take me to the station.
先生が駅まで送ってくださいました
Rank #2380 in 3,030 TV dramas
-sasete itadaku
humbly do; allow me to
Announces your own action very politely, as if asking permission; everywhere in business, shops and speeches.
Make it causative -te form + itadaku (yasumasete, ikasete, shitsurei sasete)
Overused in business talk, so it can sound stiff. With friends, just say -sasete or -sasete morau.
kyou wa kore de shitsurei sasete itadakimasu
If you'll excuse me, I'll be leaving now.
今日はこれで失礼させていただきます
Rank #2590 in 3,030 TV dramas