ご覧いただく - Polite Form for "Please Look"

Explanation

ご覧いただく (goran itadaku) is a respectful way to say "please look at..." and expresses gratitude and respect for the other person viewing or examining something. It is formed by combining ご覧 (the honorific form of 見る, meaning "to see") with the verb いただく (the humble form of もらう, meaning "to receive"). This expression is commonly used in formal or business settings to convey politeness and humility.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
ご覧いただく	Noun + を + ご覧いただく	This expression is typically used to request someone to view or examine something, while also expressing gratitude for their willingness to do so.

Basic Usage and Examples

In its basic usage, ご覧いただく is used to ask someone to look at something and express thanks. Here are some examples:

• このこの絵えをご覧いただき、ありがとうございます。
• Kono e o goran itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu.
• Thank you for looking at this painting.
  

• 資料しりょうをご覧いただけますか？
• Shiryou o goran itadakemasu ka?
• Could you please take a look at the materials?
  

• 新あたらしい製品せいひんをご覧いただければ、幸さいわいです。
• Atarashii seihin o goran itadakereba, saiwai desu.
• We would be honored if you could take a look at our new product.
  

Deep Dive

Combination of Honorific and Humble Language

ご覧いただく is particularly respectful because it combines honorific and humble language. By using ご覧, the speaker shows respect for the other person's action, while いただく humbly indicates that the speaker is receiving the action. This grammatical structure is especially common in business or formal settings, reflecting the speaker's politeness and humility.

Usage Scenarios

• Business Meetings: Often used when presenting materials to clients or superiors.
  • このこの報告書ほうこくしょをご覧いただけますか？
  • Kono houkokusho o goran itadakemasu ka?
  • Could you please take a look at this report?
    
• Exhibitions: Used to invite viewers to examine artworks or products.
  • どうぞどうぞ、こちらこちらの作品さくひんをご覧いただきたいと思おもいます。
  • Douzo, kochira no sakuhin o goran itadakitai to omoimasu.
  • Please take a look at this piece.
    
• Emails: Used in formal emails to suggest reviewing attachments or links.
  • 添付てんぷファイルファイルをご覧いただければと思おもいます。
  • Tenpu fairu o goran itadakereba to omoimasu.
  • Please review the attached file.
    

Comparisons and Differences

ご覧いただく vs. 見ていただく

While both ご覧いただく and 見ていただく mean "please look," ご覧いただく is more formal and respectful. In contrast, 見ていただく is more casual and suitable for informal situations.

Expression	Usage	Example	English Translation
ご覧いただく	Formal and business settings	展示会てんじかいにご参加さんかいただき、ありがとうございます。	Thank you for attending the exhibition.
見ていただく	Casual conversations	これを見ていただけますか？	Could you take a look at this?

ご覧ください vs. ご覧いただく

ご覧ください is the imperative form of 見る, meaning "please look." While it also carries a respectful tone, it is more commonly used in announcements or public notices. On the other hand, ご覧いただく is more humble and polite, typically used in formal interpersonal communication.

Expression	Usage	Example	English Translation
ご覧ください	Announcements or notices	こちらこちらの案内あんないをご覧ください。	Please refer to this guide.
ご覧いただく	Formal communication	このこの資料しりょうをご覧いただければ、幸さいわいです。	We would be grateful if you could review this material.

Cultural Context

The use of honorific and humble language in Japanese reflects the importance of etiquette and interpersonal relationships in Japanese society. In formal settings or when speaking to superiors or clients, using appropriate honorific expressions is a sign of respect. ご覧いただく is a product of this cultural context, used to show respect and humility toward the other person.

Summary

ご覧いただく is a respectful expression used in formal settings to show gratitude and respect for someone viewing something. Compared to similar expressions, it is more formal and humble, making it suitable for business and formal interactions.