Keigo (Honorific)

Sonkeigo (Short form)

  • Short form is a form of sonkeigo (尊敬語, respectful language) which can be created by conjugating verbs according to the following rules:
    - Group 1: Replace the ending u-vowel with the a-vowel and add れる.
    - Group 2: Replace the ending る with られる.
    - Group 3: Follow the unique rule.
  • Note that the short form is generally considered not as respectful as the basic form, so it's important to choose the appropriate level of respectfulness based on the relationship or the situation.

Example Sentences

  • 部長(ぶちょう)は、いつも東京駅(とうきょうえき)で電車(でんしゃ)を降(お)りられます。
    The manager always gets off the train at Tokyo Station.
  • 美容院(びよういん)に行(い)かれたんですか。
    Did you go to the beauty salon?
  • 社長(しゃちょう)は、年(とし)を取(と)られたね。びっくりしたよ。
    The president has aged well. I was surprised.
  • 課長(かちょう)は、先週(せんしゅう)からフィリピンへ出張(しゅっちょう)されています。
    The section chief has been on a business trip to the Philippines since last week.
  • 何(なに)か、本(ほん)を買(か)われたんですか。
    Did you buy books?

Tags

JLPT N4