JLPT N2 reference · Register and honorifics
尊敬語 patterns
尊敬語 raises the person performing the action and never describes the speaker’s own ordinary action.
Core meaning and form
Use respectful lexical verbs, お/ご + stem + になる, or honorific passive forms for actions of the respected subject. Lexical forms such as いらっしゃる and 召し上がる are generally preferred where established.
- Form: Use respectful lexical verbs, お/ご + stem + になる, or honorific passive forms for actions of the respected subject.
- Core use: 尊敬語 raises the person performing the action and never describes the speaker’s own ordinary action.
- Context: Lexical forms such as いらっしゃる and 召し上がる are generally preferred where established.
Examples in context
社長はもうお帰りになりました。Shachō wa mō okaeri ni narimashita.The company president has already left.
先生は何を召し上がりますか。Sensei wa nani o meshiagarimasu ka.What will the teacher have?
お客様がいらっしゃいました。Okyakusama ga irasshaimashita.The customer has arrived.
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 respectful lexical verbs, お/ご + stem + になる, or honorific passive forms for actions of the respected subject.
- 尊敬語 raises the person performing the action and never describes the speaker’s own ordinary action.
- Lexical forms such as いらっしゃる and 召し上がる are generally preferred where established.