「～（さ）せていただく」- Humble Request Expression

Explanation

～（さ）せていただく is a humble expression in Japanese used to politely request permission to do something. It essentially means "Please let me..." or "May I...?" This expression not only conveys the request but also shows respect and humility toward the listener.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
～（さ）せていただく	Verb nai-form + せていただく	Used to request permission to do something, expressing humility and respect.

Verb Type	Connection Method	Example
Group I Verbs	Verb nai-form + せていただく	話す → 話させていただく
Group II Verbs	Verb nai-form + させていただく	食べる → 食べさせていただく
Group III Verbs	（～）する → させていただく	する → させていただく
Group III Verbs	来る → 来させていただく	来る → 来させていただく

Deep Dive

Basic Concept

～（さ）せていただく is formed by combining the causative verb form with いただく, where いただく is the humble form of もらう. It is used to politely request permission to perform an action.

Examples

• 自己じこ紹介しょうかいさせていただきます。
• Jiko shoukai sasete itadakimasu.
• Allow me to introduce myself.
  

• 明日あしたの会議かいぎに参加さんかさせていただきたいです。
• Ashita no kaigi ni sanka sasete itadakitai desu.
• I would like to participate in tomorrow's meeting.
  

Important Notes

• いただく is a humble expression that shows respect to the listener, so ensure it is used in formal or polite situations.
• In some cases, "お" or "ご" can be omitted, but pay attention to the context and the relationship with the listener. For example, ご案内あんないさせていただきます is more formal, while 案内あんないさせていただきます is slightly more casual.

Comparison and Differences

～させていただく vs. ～してもいいですか

Both ～させていただく and ～してもいいですか can be used to request permission, but the former is more formal and humble, often used in business or formal settings.

• Example:
• 明日あした休やすませていただきたいです。
• Ashita yasumasete itadakitai desu.
• I would like to take a day off tomorrow. (Formal and humble)
  

• 明日あした休やすんでもいいですか。
• Ashita yasunde mo ii desu ka?
• Can I take a day off tomorrow? (Slightly casual)
  

Real-Life Scenarios

Dialogue Example

• A：次つぎの会議かいぎで発表はっぴょうさせていただけませんか。
• A: Tsugi no kaigi de happyou sasete itadakemasen ka?
• A: May I present at the next meeting?
  

• B：もちろん、どうぞ。
• B: Mochiron, douzo.
• B: Of course, please.
  

Summary

～させていただく is an essential and frequently used humble expression in Japanese, widely applied in formal and business contexts. Mastering this grammar structure not only improves the accuracy of your Japanese but also better demonstrates respect and humility toward others.