Keigo 5-Level Transform
Keigo Map: "する" vs "聞く"
Master the social hierarchies of Japanese speech by converting levels.
" する " (to do)
謙譲語 (Humble)
いたす
尊敬語 (Respectful)
なさる
丁寧語 (Polite)
します
普通体 (Plain)
する
スラング (Slang)
やる
" 聞く " (to ask / listen)
謙譲語 (Humble)
伺う
尊敬語 (Respectful)
お聞きになる
丁寧語 (Polite)
聞きます
普通体 (Plain)
聞く
スラング (Slang)
聞く
Keigo System & Pragmatic Usage
Japanese has an intricate honorific system (Keigo) that transforms words across 5 levels of politeness depending on social relationships.
Review the complete catalog comparing "する" and "聞く" below.
Humble (Kenjougo) lowers yourself, Respectful (Sonkeigo) raises the listener, Polite (Teineigo) is standard formal, Plain is standard casual, and Slang is extreme casual for friends.
Pragmatic Keigo Test
Which Keigo form perfectly fits this specific social scenario?
Fill in the blank with the correct level form for a Humble (Kenjougo) context: "そのお仕事をさせていただきます。" (Bilingual Meaning: "I will humble-do that job.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "いたす" is the Humble form used to lower yourself before superordinate listeners.