JLPT N2 reference · Register and honorifics
Polite softening
Softening manages interpersonal impact while allowing the listener to infer reluctance, limits, or options.
Core meaning and form
Use cushions such as 恐れ入りますが, もしよろしければ, あいにく, and ちょっと before delicate requests or refusals. Indirectness must not obscure essential instructions, deadlines, or safety information.
- Form: Use cushions such as 恐れ入りますが, もしよろしければ, あいにく, and ちょっと before delicate requests or refusals.
- Core use: Softening manages interpersonal impact while allowing the listener to infer reluctance, limits, or options.
- Context: Indirectness must not obscure essential instructions, deadlines, or safety information.
Examples in context
もしよろしければ、こちらにお名前をお願いします。Moshi yoroshikereba, kochira ni onamae o onegai shimasu.If you do not mind, please write your name here.
あいにく、その日は都合がつきません。Ainiku, sono hi wa tsugō ga tsukimasen.Unfortunately, I am not available that day.
それはちょっと難しいかもしれません。Sore wa chotto muzukashii kamo shiremasen.That may be a little difficult.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Use cushions such as 恐れ入りますが, もしよろしければ, あいにく, and ちょっと before delicate requests or refusals.
- Softening manages interpersonal impact while allowing the listener to infer reluctance, limits, or options.
- Indirectness must not obscure essential instructions, deadlines, or safety information.