丁重語 – The Second type of Humble Language
Japanese has 3 styles of polite language; Humble, general polite language, and respectful language. Humble language is known as 謙譲語.
Humble language can actually be split up into two types
謙譲語Ior just 謙譲語
謙譲語II or 丁重語
INDEX
When do you use 謙譲語 or 丁重語
謙譲語 and 丁重語 work Just like 尊敬語 or Respectful language, but in reverse. When you are talking to, or about a teacher, an older person, customers, a boss, and so on you will use either humble language or respectful language. Basically, respectful language is used for the actions of a superior and humble language for a subordinate.
https://japaneseuniverse.com/2024/02/18/pac-man-in-japaneseconcepts-behind-development-to-global-icon/Alright, so why are there 2 styles of Humble Language?
Both humble styles work by elevating someone above yourself. This is done by lowering yourself by using humble verbs and other words.
The difference is that 謙譲語 uses a set of words that elevate someone you are talking about, while 丁重語 is used when you are talking to someone.
In other words, 謙譲語 is used when someone of higher status is mentioned in the statement, and 丁重語 is used when they are not.
謙譲語
僕は先生のところへ伺います
I am going (to see) my teacher
先生からプレゼントをいただきました
I got a gift from the teacher
Here, 伺う and いただく are 謙譲語. In both situations the teacher, someone in a position of respect is involved.
丁重語
バスが参ります
The bus is coming
私は太郎と申します
I am Taro (I am called Taro)
Above, 参ります and 申します are both 丁重語. These sentences don’t involve anyone else like in the 謙譲語 examples. So, you would use these words when talking to someone such as a teacher, boss, customer etc. instead of about.