JLPT N4 grammar
謙譲語 (kenjougo) — Meaning & Examples
Humble language — lowers your own actions. お持ちします = I'll carry it (humbly).
Kenjougo — Humble Language
Used when talking about YOUR OWN actions to a superior.
Pattern: お + verb stem + する
お持ちします。 — I'll carry it (for you).
お待ちしております。 — I've been waiting (for you).
Special humble verbs:
いる → おる (to be)
いく → まいる (to go)
くる → まいる (to come)
たべる → いただく (to eat)
のむ → いただく (to drink)
みる → 拝見する/はいけんする (to see)
いう → もうす (to say)
する → いたす (to do)
しる → ぞんじる (to know)
Practise 謙譲語 (kenjougo) in the free app
This point is part of the “Keigo — Polite & Humble Speech” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N4 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N4 grammar points
From the same lesson: Keigo — Polite & Humble Speech
Frequently asked questions
What does 謙譲語 (kenjougo) mean?
Humble language — lowers your own actions. お持ちします = I'll carry it (humbly).
Is 謙譲語 (kenjougo) on the JLPT N4 test?
謙譲語 (kenjougo) is taught in the JLPT N4 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “Keigo — Polite & Humble Speech”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise 謙譲語 (kenjougo)?
Open the “Keigo — Polite & Humble Speech” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N4 mock exams, with no ads.