Special Keigo Verbs: The Ultimate Honorifics List
In the last lesson, you learned the three categories of Keigo. While there are regular patterns for creating honorific verbs, many of the most frequently used verbs have special, irregular forms that must be memorized. Learning this core set of verbs is the fastest way to start using Keigo correctly.
This chart shows the most common verbs and their special Sonkeigo (respectful) and Kenjōgo (humble) equivalents.
Essential Keigo Verb Chart
| Dictionary Form (Meaning) | 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) Elevates others |
謙譲語 (Kenjōgo) Lowers self |
|---|---|---|
| する (suru) - to do | なさる (nasaru) | いたす (itasu) |
| 行く (iku) / 来る (kuru) / いる (iru) | いらっしゃる (irassharu) | 伺う (ukagau) / 参る (mairu) |
| 見る (miru) - to see | ご覧になる (goran ni naru) | 拝見する (haiken suru) |
| 言う (iu) - to say | おっしゃる (ossharu) | 申す / 申し上げる (mōsu / mōshiageru) |
| 食べる (taberu) / 飲む (nomu) | 召し上がる (meshiagaru) | いただく (itadaku) |
| 知っている (shitte iru) - to know | ご存じだ (gozonji da) | 存じている (zonjite iru) |
| 会う (au) - to meet | お会いになる (oai ni naru) | お目にかかる (ome ni kakaru) |
Keigo in Action
Sonkeigo Example:
部長は何を召し上がりますか。(Buchō wa nani o meshiagarimasu ka?)
What will the department head (respectfully) eat?
Kenjōgo Example:
私がご説明いたします。(Watashi ga go-setsumei itashimasu.)
I will (humbly) explain.
Congratulations!
You have reached the end of the grammar guide. From the basic rules of sentence structure to the complexities of Keigo, you have built an incredible foundation for using and understanding Japanese.
Keigo, in particular, is a skill that develops over a lifetime, even for native speakers. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. The most important thing is to try, to listen carefully to others, and to continue learning.
日本語の勉強、お疲れ様でした！これからも頑張ってください。