Business Japanese – Difference between “〜される” and “〜なさる”

Table of Contents

1. Difference between “〜される” and “〜なさる”
2. Meaning and Usage: “される” vs. “なさる”
3. When “される” may be confused with the passive form

4. Differences in Level of Respect and Impression
5. Summary
6. Similer Articles
7. Comment

Q: What is the difference between “〜される” and “〜なさる”?

A: Both are honorific forms of the verb “する,” but they differ in usage, level of respect, and the overall impression they give in a sentence.

Meaning and Usage: “される” vs. “なさる”

Both are used to show respect toward the actions of someone of higher status or the main subject of a conversation.
There is no difference in basic meaning, and they can often be used interchangeably—but the impression and degree of politeness may differ.

[される]
・A commonly used honorific expression
・Gives a slightly stiff or formal impression
・Can be hard to distinguish from the passive form

[Examples]
社長しゃちょうはよくゴルフをされます。
The president often plays golf.

この件けんについては、明日あした部長ぶちょうが発表はっぴょうされる予定よていです。
The department manager is scheduled to make an announcement about this matter tomorrow.

校長こうちょう先生せんせいが卒業そつぎょう生せいにお話はなしをされます。
The principal will give a speech to the graduating students.

[なさる]
・Conveys a higher level of respect
・Has a softer and more refined impression
・Easy to distinguish from the passive form and clearly recognized as an honorific expression

[Examples]
お飲のみ物ものは、どうなさいますか？
What would you like to drink?

お父とう様さまはどのようなお仕事しごとをなさっていますか。
What kind of work does your father do?

ご出席しゅっせきなさる場合ばあいは、前日ぜんじつまでにご連絡れんらくください。
If you plan to attend, please contact us by the day before.

There is no difference in meaning between the two, and they can be used interchangeably.

[Examples]
社長しゃちょうが挨拶あいさつをされます。
社長しゃちょうが挨拶あいさつをなさいます。
The president will give a greeting.

お父とう様さまはゴルフをされるんですか。
お父とう様さまはゴルフをなさるんですか。
Does your father play golf?

ご注文ちゅうもんは何なににされますか。
ご注文ちゅうもんは何なにになさいますか。
What would you like to order?

When “される” may be confused with the passive form

“される” functions not only as an honorific form but also as a passive form, so depending on the context, the meaning can become ambiguous.

[Examples]
課長かちょうは質問しつもんされました。
⇒ Did the section chief ask the question? Or was the question asked to the section chief?

木村きむらさんは謝罪しゃざいをされました。
⇒ Did Mr. Kimura apologize? Or was he apologized to?

山田やまださんは反論はんろんされました。
⇒ Did Mr. Yamada express a rebuttal? Or was a rebuttal made toward him?

In such cases, using “なさる” instead helps make the meaning clear.

[Examples]
課長かちょうは質問しつもんなさいました。
The section chief asked a question.

木村きむらさんは謝罪しゃざいなさいました。
Mr. Kimura offered an apology.

山田やまださんは反論はんろんなさいました。
Mr. Yamada made a rebuttal.

Differences in Level of Respect and Impression

“なさる” expresses a higher degree of respect than “される” and is often used especially for customers or important people.
It also gives a softer and more refined impression.

[Examples]
どうぞ、お身体からだを大事だいじになさってください。
Please take good care of your health.

社長しゃちょうが入院にゅういんなさると聞きいて驚おどろきました。
I was surprised to hear that the president is going to be hospitalized.

誤解ごかいなされているようですので、改あらためて説明せつめい申し上もう　あげます。
It seems there has been a misunderstanding, so I will explain it again.

[Examples of Honorific Expressions for Customers]
お客きゃく様さまがご注文ちゅうもんをなさった商品しょうひんは、すでに発送はっそういたしました。
The item you ordered has already been shipped.

お気きになさらず、ごゆっくりお考かんがえください。
Please don’t worry and take your time to consider.

お客きゃく様さまが変更へんこうをなさった内容ないようは、正常せいじょうに反映はんえいされています。
The changes you made have been properly reflected.

Summary

• The honorific forms of “する” are “される” and “なさる.”
• Their meanings are basically the same, but “なさる” conveys a higher level of respect and gives a softer impression.
• Since “される” can sometimes be confused with the passive form, care is needed when using it.
• For customers or important people, using “なさる” is recommended.

Similer Articles

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