Respectful verbs: meaning and usage

How to form it

• お+verb (masu-stem)+になる
• ご+noun+になる
• verb (passive form)
• 行く・来る・いる → いらっしゃる

How it is used

Respectful verbs raise the actions of the listener or someone senior, such as customers, bosses or teachers, and are never used for yourself. The 「れる・られる」 form is lighter; special verbs like 「いらっしゃる」 and 「召し上がる」 must be learned separately.

Examples

1. さあ、お召し上がりください。

   Alright, please eat!

2. 先生はもうお帰りになりました。

   The teacher has already gone home.

3. 社長は何時にいらっしゃいますか。

   What time will the company president be coming?