![(Alt Text: Joy checking a document politely [Haiken] vs. Joy watching TV [Mimasu])](https://jplt-dialogplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-21-2026-05_24_32-PM.png)
(Joy checking a document politely [Haiken] vs. Joy watching TV [Mimasu])
“I saw your email.”
In Japanese business, you cannot just say “Mimashita.” You must say 拝見しました (Haiken shimashita). This implies “I humbly read your esteemed email.” Let’s master this essential Keigo with Joy and Ken!
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy is checking business emails.
すぐに返信（へんしん）します。
(I have “humbly seen/read” the email from Mr. Tanaka. I will reply immediately.)
あ、Joyさん、昨日のニュースは 見（み）ました か？
(Thank you. Oh, Joy, did you “see” the news yesterday?)
💡 Explanation
Is the object “Yours” (the superior’s) or just a general thing?
Point 1: Haiken shimasu (拝見します) = Humble
Type: Humble Verb (Kenjougo)
Use this when YOU look at something belonging to a SUPERIOR (Client, Boss, Teacher). By saying “Haiken,” you show respect to the owner of the object (Email, Letter, Document, Ticket).
- 資料（しりょう）を 拝見しました。
(I have read/seen the document [that you sent me].) - お手紙、拝見しました。
(I read your letter.)
Point 2: Mimasu (見ます) = Standard
Type: Standard Polite (Teineigo)
Use this for general things (TV, scenery, news) or when looking at something that doesn’t belong to a superior.
- テレビを 見ました。
(I watched TV.) - 映画（えいが）を 見に行きます。
(I will go to see a movie.)
📊 Comparison Table
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
(Asking the boss to check a report)
❌ Wrong: 部長、レポートを 拝見して ください！
(Wait! “Haiken” implies lowering the person. If you say this, you are lowering your boss!)
✅ Right: 部長、レポートを ご覧（らん） ください！
(When you want the boss to look, use the Honorific form “Goran ni naru”.)
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
