Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
High-frequency honorific verbs
Honorific verbs raise the other person or the person being talked about. At N4, focus on the most common high-frequency forms rather than the whole keigo system.
Target signal
先生はもういらっしゃいました。
The teacher has already arrived.
Notice how Everyday Honorific and Humble Verbs shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- いました
- there was; there were (living things)
- いま
- now
- した
- did
Compare in context
社長は何とおっしゃいましたか。
What did the company president say?
Notice how Everyday Honorific and Humble Verbs shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- いました
- there was; there were (living things)
- いま
- now
- した
- did
Compare in context
どうぞこちらをご覧ください。
Please look over here.
ご覧ください is a common honorific request.
Vocabulary notes
- ください
- please give; please do
- こちら
- this way; here
- どうぞ
- please; by all means
Section 2 of 3
High-frequency humble verbs
Humble verbs lower the speaker or the speaker’s side. They are common in customer service, phone calls, and workplace situations.
Target signal
私は明日うかがいます。
I will visit tomorrow.
Notice how Everyday Honorific and Humble Verbs shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
- ます
- polite verb ending
Preview
山田と申します。
My name is Yamada.
Notice how Everyday Honorific and Humble Verbs shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- します
- do
- しま
- stripe; striped pattern
- ます
- polite verb ending
Preview
お茶をいただきます。
I will have the tea.
Notice how Everyday Honorific and Humble Verbs shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- いた
- was there
- お茶
- tea
- ただ
- however; simply; merely
Section 3 of 3
Reading everyday polite interactions
In service counters and workplace notes, keigo often appears in fixed phrases. If you can identify a few key verbs, the whole sentence becomes much easier to follow.
Target signal
部長はただ今席を外しております。
The department head is away from their desk at the moment.
Notice how Everyday Honorific and Humble Verbs shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- して
- doing and
- ただ
- however; simply; merely
- ます
- polite verb ending
Preview
少々お待ちください。担当者が参ります。
Please wait a moment. The person in charge will come.
Notice how Everyday Honorific and Humble Verbs shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ください
- please give; please do
- ます
- polite verb ending
- 担当
- person in charge
Preview
資料を拝見してから、ご連絡いたします。
I will look over the materials and then contact you.
Notice how Everyday Honorific and Humble Verbs shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- てから
- after doing ...
- します
- do
- いた
- was there