Japanese grammar
What does ～れる／～られる（尊敬） mean? Japanese grammar N4
～れる／～られる（尊敬） means (someone superior) does ~ (light honorific).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V group I: あ-row + れる V group II: drop る + られる する → される 来る → 来られる |
| Romaji | ~ reru / ~ rareru |
| Meaning | (someone superior) does ~ (light honorific) |
Forming it
| Irregular | する → される, 来る → 来られる |
|---|---|
| Group I (godan) | 書く → 書かれる, 話す → 話される, 帰る → 帰られる |
| Group II (ichidan) | 見る → 見られる, 出かける → 出かけられる |
How to use it
A mild honorific form, widely used in the workplace and in writing.
- This form is identical to the passive form in terms of conjugation — that's exactly why it's difficult. Distinguish by CONTEXT: if the subject is someone worthy of respect and the sentence doesn't carry the meaning "had something done to them by someone," it's honorific.
- The formality level is lower than お～になる, so it sounds natural and less "stiff." In Japanese companies, this is the form used daily with a direct supervisor. With customers, it's better to elevate to お～になる or a special honorific word.
- A big advantage: it applies to almost every verb, including ones where お～になる sounds awkward. So when unsure, using れる/られる is a safe choice.
- Not used for one's own actions — just like every other honorific form.
Examples
部長はもう帰られました。
The department manager has already left.
先生は毎日新聞を読まれます。
The teacher reads the newspaper every day.
社長は来週、日本へ行かれます。
The president will go to Japan next week.
Keep in mind
- Quick way to distinguish from the passive: a passive sentence usually has に marking the agent (先生に褒められました = was praised by the teacher). An honorific sentence doesn't have that kind of に.
- For group II verbs, this form also overlaps with the potential (見られる = can watch). Three meanings, one form — only context can save you.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong私は毎日、日本語を勉強されます。
I study Japanese every day.
Correct私は毎日、日本語を勉強します。
Don't use honorifics for yourself. Your own actions are conjugated normally.
-
Wrong先生はお読みになられました。
The teacher has read it.
Correct先生はお読みになりました。／先生は読まれました。
Choose ONE of the two honorific methods; don't stack both お～になる and られる.
Exam tips
- Exams often give the sentence 先生が来られました and ask for the meaning: "the teacher came" (honorific), not "was come upon by the teacher" — choose based on social context.