ごらんになる

-- honorific expression for みる --

JLPT N4

Meaning and Usage

"ごらんになる" is an honorific expression used to respectfully say "to see" or "to look". It is the respectful form of the verb "みる" and is often used when speaking about the actions of someone of higher status or to show politeness.

Common Contexts

You will frequently hear "ごらんになる" in formal situations such as business meetings, customer service, or when addressing elders or superiors. It elevates the act of seeing to show respect.

Typical Collocations

  • ごらんになる (honorific "to see")
  • ごらんになってください (please look)
  • ごらんになりましたか (did you see?)

Register and Politeness

This expression is polite and formal. It is not used in casual conversations among friends or family.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "ごらんになる" with the humble form "拝見する" which is used when the speaker humbly refers to their own action of seeing. Remember, "ごらんになる" is honorific for the listener or a third person, not humble for the speaker.

Example Sentences

こちらのしょるいをごらんになってください。

Please take a look at these documents.

せんせいはあたらしいえいがをごらんになりましたか?

Did the teacher watch the new movie?

どうぞ、ごらんになっておたしかめください。

Please have a look and confirm.