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 謙譲語けんじょうご.

Humble language can actually be split up into two types

謙譲語Ior just 謙譲語
謙譲語II or 丁重語ていちょうご

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

僕ぼくは先生せんせいのところへ伺うかがいます
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

バスが参まいります
The bus is coming

私わたしは太郎たろうと申もうします
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.

Resources

• Types of Polite Language in Japanese
• Honorific Speech in Japanese