Business Japanese – How to use “〜させていただく” and “〜ませ”

Table of Contents

1. How to use “〜させていただく” and “〜ませ”
2. させていただく
3. ませ
4. Summary
5. Similar Articles
6. Comment

Q: What does “ませ” in “いらっしゃいませ” mean?
Also, could you explain the meaning of “させていただく”?

A: In Japan, there is a custom of speaking politely to superiors, seniors, and customers.
Here, we introduce the commonly used expressions “させていただく” and “～ませ.”

〜させていただく

[Usage]
Used when the speaker needs to obtain permission from the listener (or a third party) or when the speaker receives a benefit from that person.

[Rule]
[V] Verb causative form + て form + いただく

[Examples]
今日きょうは体調たいちょうが悪わるいので、早はやく帰かえらせていただきます。
Since I am not feeling well today, I will leave early.
⇒ By receiving permission from the superior, the speaker can leave early to go to the hospital or rest, expressing the benefit they receive.

明日あすの会議かいぎの時間じかんを変更へんこうさせていただきます。
I will reschedule the time for tomorrow’s meeting.
⇒ The meeting time cannot be changed by the speaker alone, so the other party’s permission is required.

In the following cases, “させていただく” cannot be used:

1. When addressing customers

[Examples]
× 来週らいしゅうは店みせを閉しめさせていただきます。

◯ 来週らいしゅうは店みせを閉しめます。
We will close the store next week.
⇒ This phrase cannot be used because closing the store does not involve receiving permission from the customer.

2.Redundant use of humble language

[Examples]
× 拝見はいけんさせていただきます。
◯ 拝見はいけんいたします。
I will take a look.

× 参まいらせていただきます。

◯ 参まいります。
I will come.
⇒ “させていただきます” is already a humble expression, so adding another humble verb is redundant and incorrect.

〜ませ

[Usage]
This expression is used to politely request something from the listener or to express a wish.

[Rule]
[V] Verb in て form + ください + ませ

[Example Expressions]
• いらっしゃいませ (Welcome)
• お帰かえりなさいませ(Welcome back)

[Examples]
申し訳もう　わけございませんが、もう少々しょうしょうお待まちくださいませ。
We sincerely apologize, but please wait a little longer.

こちらの書類しょるいをご確認かくにんくださいませ。
Kindly review this document.

“ませ” is the imperative form of the polite verb “ます.” Using “～てください” can sound strong or directive, so “ませ” softens the tone, giving a more polite and gentle impression.

“ませ” is a commonly used expression depending on the type of work or situation. Here are some examples:

[Restaurants]
冷さめないうちにお召し上め　あがりくださいませ。
Please enjoy your meal while it is still warm.

こちらで少々しょうしょうお待まちくださいませ。
Kindly wait here for a moment.

[Hotels and Inns]
お出でかけですか。いってらっしゃいませ。
Are you heading out? Have a great day!

（帰かえってきたお客きゃく様さまに）お帰かえりなさいませ。
(To returning guests) Welcome back.

[Business Calls and Emails]
何なにかございましたら、いつでもお申もうし付つけくださいませ。
If there is anything you need, please feel free to let us know at any time.

先日せんじつ、書類しょるいをお送おくりしましたのでご確認かくにんくださいませ。
We sent the documents the other day, so please review them.

暑あつい日ひが続つづきますので、どうかご自愛じあいくださいませ。
As the hot days continue, please take good care of yourself.

Summary

[させていただく]

• It is used when permission is received from a third party, and when receiving permission provides a benefit.

[ませ]

• It is used to make a polite request, demand, or wish with a courteous intention.

Similar Articles

Comment for any questions!