Today I am going to share the homework correction quoted from my JLPT N4 course!
The student’s sentence is not correct. Can you find the mistake?

 

[Student’s sentence]

先生はどんな本をお読みするんですか。

*せんせいはどんなほんをおよみするんですか。

 

▼
▼
▼

 

[My correction]

先生はどんな本をお読みするんですか。
→先生はどんな本をお読みになるんですか。

(Sensei, ) What kind of books do you read?

 

The お〜する form is a humble expression (謙譲語 けんじょうご) and is not appropriate for use in describing the actions of someone you respect.
The respectful expression (尊敬語 そんけいご) form is お〜になる, and you should use it for your teacher’s actions.

In Japanese, the speaker typically positions themselves at the lowest level and uses humble expressions to describe their own actions. Conversely, when describing the actions of others, respectful expressions are used.

 

e.g.
社長(しゃちょう)が新(あたら)しいプロジェクトについて、お話(はな)しになるそうです。
The president will be speaking about the new project.
*社長が話す→Respectful expression (尊敬語 そんけいご)→お話しになる

 

今度(こんど)の会議(かいぎ)について、お話ししたいんですが。
I would like to talk to you about the upcoming meeting.
*私が話す→Humble expression (謙譲語 けんじょうご)→お話しする

 

I hope my explanation helps you. 😊

 

In the JLPT course, all lessons come with homework. If you submit your homework, I will reply with corrections.
I can break down the Japanese grammar and point out mistakes, explaining the structure and nuances of Japanese in an easy-to-understand way.
You can also ask me any questions in as much detail as you want. I will teach you until you get it!