Business Japanese – Humble Expressions for “行く” and “来る”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “参る” and “伺う”
2. Basic Humble Expressions for “行く” and “来る”
3. Similar Expressions and Their Usage
4. A Less Formal Expression
5. Summary
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment
Q: Can “参る” and “伺う” be used interchangeably?
A: They cannot be completely interchangeable. “参る” is a humble expression directed toward the listener, used to modestly refer to one’s own actions. On the other hand, “伺う” is a humble expression directed toward the subject of the conversation (such as a place being visited), showing respect when going to someone’s location. Therefore, appropriate usage depends on the context.
Basic Humble Expressions for “行く” and “来る”
First, master the basics before expanding your variations.
| Type | Expression |
| Humble Language (謙譲語) | 伺う |
| Humble Language (謙譲語) | 参る |
[Examples]
わたくしがそちらへ参ります。
I will come over there.
それでは、明日3時に伺います。
Then, I will visit at 3 PM tomorrow.
[Understanding the Difference Between “伺う” and “参る”]
In Japanese honorific language, there is a category called “謙譲語” (humble language), which is further divided into “謙譲語I” and “謙譲語II”. Understanding this distinction allows for more appropriate use of honorific expressions.
For a more detailed article on “謙譲語I” and “謙譲語II”, click here ▶︎
“伺う” as 謙譲語I – A Humble Expression Directed Toward the Subject of the Conversation
“伺う” is the humble form of “行く” (to go) and “訪ねる” (to visit) and is used as a respectful expression toward the subject of the conversation, such as a person or place being mentioned.
[Examples]
明日、先生のお宅に伺います。
I will visit my teacher’s home tomorrow.
明日、先生のお宅に伺うことになっています。（Can also be used in conversations with friends）
I am scheduled to visit my teacher’s home tomorrow.
As shown above, “伺う” can be used even when the person being spoken to is not the teacher, making it a versatile humble expression.
“参る” as 謙譲語II – A Humble Expression Directed Toward the Listener
“参る” is also the humble form of “行く” (to go), but it is specifically used as a respectful expression directed toward the listener (the person in front of you). In other words, it is used when the person you are speaking to is a superior, such as a teacher or someone of higher status.
[Examples]
◯ 明日、先生のお宅に参ります。（Expression directed at the teacher personally）
I will visit my teacher’s home tomorrow.
× 明日、先生のお宅に参ることになっています。(Sounds unnatural if the subject of the conversation is not the listener)
I am scheduled to visit my teacher’s home tomorrow.
[Using “伺う” and “参る” – Choosing the Right Expression for Appointments]
Understanding when to use “伺う” or “参る” in appointment settings ensures more appropriate use of honorific expressions.
Use “伺います” when visiting the other party’s office
[Examples]
明日、オフィスに伺います。
I will visit your office tomorrow.
“伺う” is 謙譲語I (humble language I) and is used to show respect toward the subject of the conversation (in this case, the other party’s office). When visiting the office of the person you are making an appointment with, “伺います” is the appropriate choice.
Use “参ります” when visiting a different office
[Examples]
明日、オフィスに参ります。
I will visit the office tomorrow.
“参る” is 謙譲語II (humble language II) and is a respectful expression directed toward the listener (in this case, the person you are making an appointment with). If you are visiting an office that is not the one belonging to the person you are speaking with, “参ります” sounds more natural.
Similar Expressions and Their Usage
[お伺いする]
You can modify the form of “伺う” and express it as follows:
・お伺いする: This is a more respectful expression that adds the “お～する” structure to “伺う”, further enhancing the level of politeness.
[Examples]
それでは、明日お伺いします。
Then, I will visit you tomorrow.
A：「明日の午後でしたらお会いできますよ。」
B：「ありがとうございます。それでは明日の午後、お伺いします。」
A: “I will be available in the afternoon tomorrow.”
B: “Thank you very much. Then, I will visit in the afternoon tomorrow.”
[When going to a place to meet someone or for a specific purpose]
・訪問する: Used in business or formal settings.
[Examples]
来週は、取引先の本社へ訪問する予定です。
Next week, I plan to visit the headquarters of our business partner.
本日、貴社を訪問させていただきますので、よろしくお願いいたします。
Today, I will be visiting your company, so I appreciate your kind cooperation.
A Less Formal Expression
[お邪魔する]
・お邪魔する: Commonly used when visiting someone’s home or office.
[Examples]
先日は、お邪魔させていただきありがとうございました。
Thank you for having me the other day.
先輩：「来週、うちで飲み会しようよ。」
後輩：「え、先輩のうちにお邪魔してもいいんですか。」
Senior: “Let’s have a drinking party at my place next week.”
Junior: “Oh, is it okay for me to come over to your place?”
⇒ In this case, “お邪魔する” is used similarly to “訪問する”.
However, when addressing a superior, such as a company president, “お伺いする” is the more appropriate choice.
[When “leaving a place” is the intended meaning]
・失礼する：Used to mean “leaving” or “stepping out”.
[Examples]
本日はこれで失礼いたします。
I will take my leave for today.””I have something to attend to today, so I will leave ahead of you.
今日は用事がありますので、お先に失礼いたします。
I have something to attend to today, so I will leave ahead of you.
The present form “失礼します” is used to indicate leaving or exiting a place.
On the other hand, the past form “失礼しました” is used as a mild apology when one’s actions may have been impolite, so careful distinction is necessary.
[Examples]
A：「明日は9時から会議でよろしいでしょうか。」
B：「いえ、9時半からです。」
A：「失礼しました。9時半からですね、承知しました。」
A: “Will the meeting start at 9 o’clock tomorrow?”
B: “No, it will start at 9:30.”
A: “I apologize for the mistake. So, it starts at 9:30. Understood.”
⇒ In this case, “失礼しました” is a mild apology for having provided incorrect information.
Summary
- The humble expression “伺う” can be made more polite by changing it to “お伺いする”.
- When visiting a place for a specific purpose or to meet someone, “訪問する” is an appropriate choice.
- For less formal interactions, “お邪魔する” can also be used. However, in business settings or when speaking to superiors, “お伺いする” is preferred.
- To express leaving or exiting a place, the present form “失礼します” is used.
- The past form “失礼しました” is used as a mild apology for one’s actions, so be mindful of the difference in meaning.
