Translation and Meaning of: 参る - mairu

The Japanese word 「参る」 (mairu) is a verb that is commonly used in formal and humble contexts, often employed to indicate a level of deference or respect. The etymology of the word dates back to the Heian period, deriving from the original verb 「参り」 (mairi), which meant "to go" or "to come" in a more respectful aspect. Today, 「参る」 can be found in situations where a degree of politeness is necessary, such as when visiting temples, making ceremonial visits, or in military contexts.

In its modern definition, 「参る」 unfolds into some main meanings. Firstly, it is used as a humble verb for "to go" or "to come," part of the 「謙譲語」 (kenjōgo), the humble form of politeness in the Japanese language. Additionally, it can be utilized to express submission or acknowledge defeat, and even indicate that someone is extremely distressed or frustrated in certain situations. Examples include typical phrases used in business environments or social interactions where one wishes to demonstrate respect and modesty.

The use of 「参る」 in everyday sentences is associated with the desire to maintain harmony and respect in social interactions, a central aspect of Japanese culture. Historically, the verb was used in the context of referring to people of higher status, such as the emperor or other members of the nobility, reflecting the deeply rooted hierarchy in Japanese society at that time. This usage persists, albeit in a more modern way, in religious and business contexts, where hierarchy and respect still play a significant role.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 伺う (ukagau) - Visit or ask respectfully.
• 訪れる (otozureru) - Visit (in general, without any particular regard).
• 行く (iku) - Go (the action of going somewhere).
• お参りする (omairi suru) - Visit a temple or sanctuary with prayer.
• お伺いする (o-ukagai suru) - Make a visit or ask respectfully.
• お邪魔する (o-jama suru) - Interrupt, visit respectfully (usually at someone's home).
• お見舞いする (omiwai suru) - Visiting someone who is ill.
• お訪ねする (o-tazune suru) - Visiting someone in a respectful manner.
• おお願いする (o-negai suru) - To make a respectful request.
• お問い合わせする (o-toiawasu suru) - Make a respectful inquiry or question.
• お尋ねする (o-tazune suru) - Asking a question or requesting information respectfully.
• お訪問する (o-houmon suru) - Visiting someone in a respectful manner.
• お出かけする (o-dekake suru) - Go out, go somewhere.
• お越しになる (o-koshi ni naru) - Come (respectfully).
• お越しいただく (o-koshi itadaku) - To have the privilege of the visit (in a respectful manner).
• お越しいただける (o-koshi itadakeru) - To be able to visit (respectfully).
• お越しいただけます (o-koshi itadakemasu) - It is possible to visit (in a respectful manner).
• お越しいただきます (o-koshi itadakimasu) - I will receive your visit (in a respectful manner).
• お越しいただくこと (o-koshi itadaku koto) - The act of visiting (in a respectful manner).

参る

Romaji: mairu
Kana: まいる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: go; come over; to connect; visit; visit a shrine; be defeated; to be unattracted; being madly in love; to die

Meaning in English: to go;to come;to call;to visit;to visit a shrine;to be defeated;to be nonplussed;to be madly in love;to die

Definition: [Dora-go] (also "mukuru") is one of the humble words. Be humble about your actions and condition. Use politeness with various verbs, such as drinking tea, using a knife, failing, and dying in battle.