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B1 verb #4,000 most common 6 min read

参る

mairu Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 参る in 30 Seconds

Explanation 参る in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might encounter 'mairu' in very specific, set phrases. The most common is 'mairimasu' used in public transport or in very polite greetings. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet; just recognize it as a very polite way of saying 'I am coming' or 'I am going.' It is like the difference between saying 'I'm coming' and 'I shall arrive.' Beginners should focus on the phrase 'O-mairi,' which refers to visiting a shrine, a common cultural activity in Japan. If you go to a shrine on New Year's Day, you are doing 'Hatsumode,' which is a type of 'mairi.'

At the A2 level, you start to learn about 'Keigo' (honorific language). You should recognize 'mairu' as the humble form of 'iku' (to go) and 'kuru' (to come). You will see it in textbooks in dialogues between a student and a teacher or an employee and a boss. You should be able to use 'mairimasu' to describe your own movement in a classroom or office setting. For example, if your teacher asks 'Who is coming to the party?' you could answer 'Watashi ga mairimasu' to be extra polite, though 'ikimasu' is also acceptable at this level. You should also understand that 'mairimasu' is used by station staff and in elevators.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'mairu' correctly in professional and formal situations. You must distinguish between humble language (kenjougo) and honorific language (sonkeigo). You should know that 'mairu' is for your own actions and 'irassharu' is for others. You also start to learn the idiomatic meanings of 'mairu.' For instance, being 'maitta' (overwhelmed) by a difficult problem or bad weather. This level requires you to use the verb in its various forms: 'maitteiru' (being overwhelmed), 'mairimashita' (I give up/I'm beaten), and 'mairimasu' (polite movement). You should also be comfortable using it in the context of 'grave visiting' (ohaka-mairi).

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuance between 'mairu' and other humble verbs like 'ukagau.' You understand that 'mairu' is used for general movement, while 'ukagau' is used when the destination involves a person you respect. You can use 'mairu' in complex business emails and formal speeches. You also understand more metaphorical uses, such as 'hon ni mairu' (to be deeply impressed or 'beaten' by a book's quality). Your ability to use 'mairu' in the 'annoyed' sense should feel natural, using it to describe social pressures or physical exhaustion without sounding like a textbook.

At the C1 level, you understand the historical and literary nuances of 'mairu.' You can recognize it in classical literature or period dramas (Jidaigeki) where it might be used with slightly different grammatical rules or in a 'Teineigo' (polite) sense that isn't strictly humble. You are aware of its use in specific traditional arts like Shogi, Tea Ceremony, or Martial Arts. You can accurately judge the level of 'humility' it conveys compared to even more formal expressions like 'san-jousuru.' You can also use the word in nuanced psychological descriptions, such as describing a character who is 'maitteiru' due to internal conflict.

At the C2 level, you have native-like command of 'mairu.' You can use it in all its forms—humble, polite, idiomatic, and religious—with perfect social accuracy. You understand the subtle irony when 'mairu' is used sarcastically or in 'baito-keigo' (incorrect part-time job Japanese) and can correct it. You can discuss the etymology of the kanji 参 (meaning 'to participate' or 'three') and how it evolved into the verb 'to visit/come.' You are comfortable with archaic forms like 'mairase-tamau' found in classical texts like The Tale of Genji, understanding how the levels of respect have shifted over centuries.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

参る in 30 Seconds

Humble form of 'go' and 'come' (Kenjougo).
Used for visiting shrines, temples, and graves (O-mairi).
Idiomatically means to be overwhelmed, annoyed, or defeated.
Common in polite public announcements (e.g., trains, elevators).

The Japanese verb 参る (mairu) is a multifaceted word that serves as a cornerstone of Japanese etiquette, religious practice, and emotional expression. At its core, it is the humble equivalent (kenjougo) of the verbs iku (to go) and kuru (to come). When you use 参る in a professional or formal setting, you are lowering your own status to show respect to the person you are speaking to or the person you are visiting. However, its usage extends far beyond mere movement. It is the specific verb used for visiting places of spiritual significance, such as shrines, temples, or ancestral graves. In this context, it isn't just about the physical act of walking; it implies a sense of reverence and purpose. Furthermore, in colloquial Japanese, 参る takes on a completely different shade of meaning: to be overwhelmed, defeated, or deeply annoyed. If the summer heat is too much for you, you might say natsu no atsusani mairu (to be floored by the summer heat).

Humble Movement: Used to describe one's own arrival or departure when speaking to a superior. Example: 'I will come to your office at 3 PM' becomes 'San-ji ni mairimasu.'
Religious Visitation: Specifically used for 'omairi' (visiting a shrine or grave). It suggests a ritualistic or respectful visit rather than a casual one.
Emotional Defeat: Used when one is 'beaten' by a situation, a person's charm, or a difficult task. 'Mairimashita' is often used as 'I give up' or 'You got me.'

ただいま参ります。 (Tadaima mairimasu.) 参る.

Understanding the transition between these meanings requires an appreciation for the Japanese social hierarchy and the concept of 'inner' (uchi) and 'outer' (soto) groups. When you say you are 'going' to a client's office, using 'mairu' places you in a position of service. When you say you are 'beaten' by a puzzle, you are expressing a loss of control. This versatility makes it one of the top 100 most useful verbs for students reaching the B1 level, as it bridges the gap between basic communication and nuanced social interaction.

Using 参る correctly depends heavily on the 'direction' of the action and the 'weight' of the situation. In its most common form, 参ります (mairimasu), it functions as a polite way to say you are going or coming. Unlike ikimasu, which is neutral, mairimasu suggests that your movement is for the benefit of the listener or is happening in a formal context. For instance, in a business setting, if a receptionist asks you to wait, you might say 'I will go to the waiting room' using mairimasu.

Structure: Destination + に/へ + 参る: Example: 'Asu,そちらに参ります' (I will come to your place tomorrow). Note that you use 'mairu' for your own actions, never for the listener's.
Structure: Target + に + 参る (Defeat): Example: 'Kanojo no utsukushisa ni mairu' (To be floored/captivated by her beauty). Here, the particle 'ni' marks the cause of the 'defeat'.

お墓参りに参りました。 (Ohaka-mairi ni mairimashita.) 参る.

It is crucial to remember that mairu is a Godan verb (Group 1). Its conjugation follows the standard pattern: mairanai (negative), mairimashita (past polite), maitte (te-form). The te-form maitteiru is particularly common when expressing that you are currently overwhelmed: 'Shigoto ga isogashikute maitteiru' (I'm overwhelmed because work is so busy). In sports or competitive games like Shogi or Go, saying 'Mairimashita' is the standard way to resign a game, literally meaning 'I have been defeated' or 'I surrender to your skill.'

You will encounter 参る in three primary spheres of Japanese life: the station, the shrine, and the office. At a Japanese train station, you will hear the automated announcement: 'Mamonaku, densha ga mairimasu' (Shortly, a train will arrive). While the train itself doesn't have a social status, this usage of mairu is a form of 'polite language' (teineigo) used by the railway company to show extreme respect to the passengers.

Public Announcements: Elevators and trains use 'mairimasu' to announce arrival. 'Ue ni mairimasu' means 'Going up.'
Seasonal Traditions: During New Year's (Hatsumode) or Obon, people talk about 'mairi'. It's the standard term for the act of paying respects to deities or ancestors.

上へ参ります。 (Ue he mairimasu.) 参る.

In the business world, mairu is the default verb when talking to clients about your own schedule. If you are visiting their office, you say ukagaimasu or mairimasu. In casual conversation, you'll hear the 'overwhelmed' meaning frequently. A student might say 'Kono shukudai ni wa mairu yo' (This homework is killing me/is too much). This word is deeply embedded in the fabric of Japanese society, appearing in everything from the most sacred rituals to the most mundane daily commutes.

The most frequent error learners make with 参る is a 'Keigo' (honorific language) mismatch. Because mairu is a humble verb (kenjougo), it can only be used for the speaker's own actions or the actions of the speaker's 'in-group' (like family members or coworkers when talking to an outsider).

Using it for others: Incorrect: 'Sensei ga mairimasu' (The teacher is coming). Correct: 'Sensei ga irasshaimasu'. Using 'mairu' for a teacher effectively insults them by lowering their status.
Confusing it with 'Ukagau': While both are humble, 'ukagau' is used when the visit specifically involves the person you are respecting. 'Mairu' is more general movement.

× 社長が参りました。 (Shachou ga mairimashita.) Mistake.

Another mistake is failing to recognize the 'overwhelmed' meaning in context. If someone says 'Kono atsusa ni wa mairimashita,' they aren't saying they 'went to the heat'; they are saying they are exhausted by it. Learners often take the 'go/come' meaning too literally. Lastly, don't confuse mairu with mairu (to dance - written with different kanji 舞う). Though they sound similar in some conjugations, their meanings are worlds apart.

Japanese has a vast array of verbs for movement, each with its own level of formality and nuance. 参る (mairu) sits in a specific niche between the neutral iku/kuru and the highly specific ukagau.

行く (Iku) / 来る (Kuru): Neutral. Use these with friends or when formality isn't required. 'Mairu' is the upgrade for professional settings.
伺う (Ukagau): More humble than 'mairu'. It specifically implies visiting a person's home or office to see them. 'Mairu' is for the movement; 'Ukagau' is for the visit.
いらっしゃる (Irassharu): The honorific (sonkeigo) counterpart. Use this for the actions of superiors.

明日、お宅へ伺ってもよろしいでしょうか？ (Asu, otaku he ukagattemo yoroshii deshou ka?) 伺う.

For the 'overwhelmed' meaning, alternatives include komaru (to be in trouble), yowaru (to weaken/be at a loss), or kousan suru (to surrender). Mairu is more expressive and common in daily speech to describe being 'done in' by something. Understanding these distinctions is the key to mastering Japanese social dynamics.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 参 is also the 'large' version of the number 3 (三). This is used in formal documents to prevent forgery, as 三 can easily be changed to 五 or 二.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ma.i.ru

US ma.i.ru

Flat (Heiban) - the pitch remains steady throughout the word.

Rhymes With

Kairu (to return) Hairu (to enter) Airu (aisle/English loan) Tairu (tile) Mairu (mile)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ru' like the English 'roo' with rounded lips.
Stress on the first syllable (MA-iru), which sounds unnatural.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji is common but the multiple meanings require context.

Writing 4/5

The kanji 参 has many strokes and must be written carefully.

Speaking 5/5

Using it correctly in Keigo without mixing it up with Sonkeigo is a major hurdle.

Listening 3/5

Common in announcements, so it's easy to hear, but hard to catch in idiomatic speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

行く (Iku) 来る (Kuru) 敬語 (Keigo) 神社 (Jinja) 暑い (Atsui)

Learn Next

伺う (Ukagau) いらっしゃる (Irassharu) お目にかかる (Ome ni kakaru) 存じる (Zonjiru) 申す (Mousu)

Advanced

参拝 (Sanpai) 参会 (Sankai) 参勤 (Sankin) 参画 (Sankaku) 参入 (Sannyu)

Grammar to Know

Humble Language (Kenjougo I)

Actions directed toward a superior use humble forms like 'mairu'.

Te-form for State

'Maitte-iru' shows the current state of being overwhelmed.

Polite Announcements

'Mairimasu' is used for inanimate objects like trains to show respect to customers.

Godan Verb Conjugation

Mairu -> Mairimasu, Mairanai, Maitte.

Noun + に + 参る

'O-mairi ni mairu' (Going to do a shrine visit).

Examples by Level

駅に電車が参ります。

The train is coming to the station.

'Mairimasu' is used here as a very polite way to say 'comes'.

お参りに行きます。

I am going to visit a shrine.

'O-mairi' is the noun form of 'mairu' meaning a shrine visit.

明日、参ります。

I will come tomorrow.

Humble 'come' used for oneself.

上へ参ります。

Going up.

Standard elevator announcement.

ここへ参ります。

I am coming here.

Polite movement.

神社に参りました。

I visited the shrine.

Past tense of religious visit.

すぐ参ります。

I'm coming right away.

Common polite response.

お墓に参ります。

I will visit the grave.

Specific use for visiting ancestors.

先生、明日お宅へ参ります。

Teacher, I will come to your house tomorrow.

Humble form used to show respect to the teacher.

このバスは銀座へ参りますか？

Does this bus go to Ginza?

Polite 'iku' (to go) in a public setting.

３時に参ります。

I will be there at 3 o'clock.

Humble 'mairu' for scheduling.

父も参ります。

My father will also come.

Using humble language for a family member (in-group) when talking to an outsider.

どちらへ参りますか？

Where are you going? (Very polite)

Polite 'iku' used by service staff.

後で参ります。

I will come later.

Humble future tense.

資料を持って参りました。

I have brought the documents.

'Motte mairu' is the humble version of 'motte kuru'.

地下鉄で参りました。

I came by subway.

Humble past tense for means of travel.

この暑さには参りました。

I'm overwhelmed by this heat.

Idiomatic use meaning 'to be overwhelmed'.

降参です、参りました。

I surrender, you got me.

Common phrase used when losing a game.

お墓参りに行ってきました。

I went to visit the family grave.

Standard term for visiting a grave.

仕事が多すぎて、参っています。

I have too much work and I'm overwhelmed.

'Maitteiru' expresses current state of being stressed.

来週、そちらに参る予定です。

I plan to visit your place next week.

Dictionary form 'mairu' used before 'yotei'.

彼の熱意には参ったよ。

I was floored (impressed) by his enthusiasm.

Metaphorical 'defeat' meaning 'impressed'.

雨に降られて参った。

I was caught in the rain and it was awful.

Used when a situation causes trouble.

お寺へ参る途中で友達に会った。

I met a friend on my way to visit the temple.

Religious visit context.

不景気で、どの会社も参っているようです。

Due to the recession, every company seems to be struggling.

Using 'mairu' to describe financial struggle.

そんなに褒められると参っちゃうな。

I'm embarrassed/overwhelmed when you praise me that much.

Casual 'maicchau' (from mairu) for emotional reaction.

参る前にお電話を差し上げます。

I will give you a call before I come.

Formal business communication.

毎年欠かさず初詣に参っております。

I visit the shrine for the first time every year without fail.

'Maitte orimasu' is extra humble (Kenjougo + Teineigo).

彼のわがままには本当に参る。

I'm really fed up with his selfishness.

Present tense 'mairu' for ongoing annoyance.

どちらから参られましたか？

Where did you come from? (Very polite)

'Mairareru' is the honorific form of 'mairu' (sonkeigo), which is rare but used in some contexts.

この問題の難しさには参った。

I was stumped by the difficulty of this problem.

Being 'defeated' by a task.

準備が整い次第、参ります。

I will come as soon as preparations are ready.

Formal 'shidai' pattern.

将軍の前に参る。

To appear before the Shogun.

Historical/Archaic usage of 'mairu'.

都会の喧騒にはほとほと参っている。

I am utterly exhausted by the hustle and bustle of the city.

'Hotohoto' emphasizes the degree of exhaustion.

万策尽きて、ついに参った。

Having exhausted all options, I finally gave up.

Idiomatic expression for total defeat.

古都の風情に参ってしまった。

I was completely captivated by the atmosphere of the old capital.

'Mairu' used for being deeply moved/charmed.

お供して参ります。

I will accompany you.

Highly formal humble expression.

その理屈には参りました。

Your logic has defeated me (I concede the point).

Conceding an argument.

墓前に参り、近況を報告した。

I visited the grave and updated them on my life.

Formal literary style.

連日の残業で体が参っている。

My body is breaking down from working overtime every day.

Physical breakdown context.

一介の書生が、畏れ多くも御前に参りました。

A mere student has, with great trepidation, come before your presence.

Extremely formal, archaic humble language.

不条理な現実に参ることなく、彼は歩み続けた。

Without being crushed by the absurd reality, he continued to walk forward.

Literary use in a philosophical context.

この名刀の切れ味には、流石の剣豪も参った。

Even the great swordsman was defeated by the sharpness of this famous blade.

Historical/Storytelling style.

参るも退くも、最早道は一つしかない。

Whether to go forward or retreat, there is now only one path left.

Philosophical/Archaic contrast.

彼女の才覚には、誰もが参らざるを得ない。

Everyone cannot help but be impressed by her ingenuity.

'Mairazaru wo enai' (cannot help but be...).

神仏に参る心。

The heart that pays respects to gods and Buddhas.

Abstract religious usage.

参りましょう、約束の地へ。

Let us go to the promised land.

Poetic/Dramatic invitation.

長旅の疲れが今頃になって参ってきた。

The fatigue of the long journey has finally caught up with me now.

Nuanced use of 'maitte kita' for delayed effect.

Common Collocations

お墓参り

神社に参る

まいりました

電車が参ります

暑さに参る

上へ参ります

後ほど参ります

参ったなあ

お供して参る

参拝に参る

Common Phrases

参りました

— I surrender / You got me. Used in games or when admitting defeat.

将棋で負けて「参りました」と言った。

ただいま参ります

— I'm coming right now. Used by staff or in polite homes.

「お客様がお見えです」「ただいま参ります」

お参り

— A visit to a shrine or temple.

子供の健康をお参りする。

参っている

— To be currently suffering or overwhelmed.

仕事が忙しくて参っている。

参りましょう

— Let's go (polite).

そろそろ参りましょうか。

電車が参ります

— A train is coming (station announcement).

黄色い線の内側までお下がりください。電車が参ります。

上へ参ります

— Going up (elevator).

エレベーターのドアが閉まります。上へ参ります。

お墓参り

— Visiting a grave.

お盆にはお墓参りをする習慣がある。

参った

— I'm stumped / Oh boy.

道に迷って参った。

参るぞ

— Here I come (masculine/dramatic).

いざ、参るぞ！

Often Confused With

参る vs 伺う (Ukagau)

Ukagau is for visiting a person; Mairu is for the movement itself.

参る vs 参じる (Sanjiru)

Sanjiru is even more formal/archaic than Mairu.

参る vs 来る (Kuru)

Kuru is neutral; Mairu is humble.

Idioms & Expressions

"参った参った"

— Expression used when one is in a real fix or pleasantly surprised.

「そんなに褒められたら、参った参った」

Casual

"暑さに参る"

— To be physically exhausted by heat.

日本の夏は暑さに参る。

Neutral

"降参して参る"

— To fully admit defeat.

彼の論理には降参して参るしかない。

Formal

"美しさに参る"

— To be captivated or 'slain' by beauty.

彼女の美しさに参ってしまった。

Literary

"手に参る"

— To fall into someone's hands (old usage).

宝が敵の手に参る。

Archaic

"参る一方"

— To continue to be defeated or overwhelmed.

借金が増えて参る一方だ。

Neutral

"参りを見せる"

— To show one's weakness or defeat.

彼は決して参りを見せない。

Literary

"参り込む"

— To be deeply absorbed or to go deep into (archaic).

奥深くへ参り込む。

Archaic

"参り勝つ"

— To win after being nearly defeated.

最後は参り勝った。

Niche

"参り合う"

— To visit each other (archaic).

親戚同士で参り合う。

Archaic

Easily Confused

参る vs 舞う (Mau)

Sounds similar in some forms.

Mau means to dance or flutter (like petals). Mairu is to go/come.

Sakura ga mau (Cherry blossoms flutter).

参る vs 参る (Mairu)

Same word, different meanings.

One is 'to go/come', the other is 'to be overwhelmed'. Context is key.

Koko ni mairu (I come here) vs Atsusa ni mairu (I'm beat by the heat).

参る vs 参画 (Sankaku)

Shares the same kanji.

Sankaku means participation in a project. Mairu is the verb for movement.

Keikaku ni sankaku suru (Participate in a plan).

参る vs 参拝 (Sanpai)

Related to the 'visit' meaning.

Sanpai is the formal noun for worship. Mairu is the verb.

Sanpai ni mairu (Go to worship).

参る vs 参客 (Sankyaku)

Shares the kanji.

Sankyaku means a visitor/pilgrim.

Sankyaku ga ooi (There are many visitors).

Sentence Patterns

[Place] へ参ります。

あちらへ参ります。

[Time] に参ります。

５時に参ります。

[Noun] に参りました。

暑さに参りました。

[Verb-te] 参ります。

走って参ります。

[Noun] に参っています。

借金に参っています。

[Noun] に参らざるを得ない。

彼の才能に参らざるを得ない。

[Place] に参らん。

いざ、戦場に参らん。

お[Noun]に参る。

お墓参りに参る。

Word Family

Nouns

お参り (O-mairi - shrine visit)

参拝 (Sanpai - worship visit)

Verbs

参る (Mairu)

参じる (Sanjiru - to visit, formal)

参拝客 (Sanpaikyaku - visitor to a shrine)

参勤交代 (Sankin-kotai - historical travel of daimyo)

初詣 (Hatsumode - first shrine visit)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in business and public announcements.

Common Mistakes

Sensei ga mairimasu. → Sensei ga irasshaimasu.
You cannot use humble language for someone you respect.
Ashita, mairu desu. → Ashita, mairimasu.
Mairu is a verb; it doesn't need 'desu' in its polite form.
Mairu! (to a friend) → Iku yo!
'Mairu' is too formal for friends unless you are joking like a samurai.
Kono hon wa mairimasu. → Kono hon ni wa mairimashita.
When saying you are impressed by a book, use the 'ni' particle and past tense.
Ohaka ni ikimasu (to a superior). → Ohaka-mairi ni mairimasu.
Using the specific term 'mairu' for a grave visit is more culturally appropriate.

Tips

Business Humility

Always use 'mairimasu' when telling a client you are on your way to their office.

Shrine Visits

When visiting a shrine, the phrase is 'O-mairi ni mairimashita' (I have come to visit).

Godan Conjugation

Remember it conjugates like 'kaeru' (to return), so the te-form is 'maitte'.

Admitting Defeat

Saying 'mairimashita' when you lose shows great character and respect for your opponent.

Train Cues

When you hear 'mairimasu' on a platform, it's time to get ready to board.

Kanji Usage

The kanji 参 is also used in 'sanka' (participation). Connect the ideas of 'going to participate' to remember it.

Idiomatic Heat

'Atsusa ni mairu' is a very native way to complain about the summer heat.

In-group Rule

Use 'mairu' for your coworkers' actions when talking to a client, because they are part of your 'in-group'.

No Stress

Keep your pitch flat; don't let it rise or fall sharply on any syllable.

The 'M' Rule

Mairu = Movement + Meekness (humility) + Misery (overwhelmed).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'My Room'. When you go to 'My Room', you are 'Mairu'. Or imagine a Samurai saying 'My rule' is to 'Mairu' (come/go) humbly.

Visual Association

Imagine a person bowing deeply while walking into a shrine. The bow represents the humility of 'Mairu'.

Word Web

Shrine Humble Go Come Defeat Heat Station Elevator

Challenge

Try to use 'Mairimasu' instead of 'Ikimasu' the next time you talk to a Japanese teacher or boss. See if you can also use 'Mairimashita' when you lose a game!

Word Origin

The word comes from the Old Japanese verb 'mairu'. It originally meant 'to present oneself' to a superior or a deity.

Original meaning: To approach a person of high rank or a sacred place.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Never use 'mairu' for your boss's actions. It is a 'humbling' verb for yourself. Using it for them is a major social faux pas.

English lacks a direct humble verb like 'mairu'. We use 'I shall attend' or 'I will be present', but it doesn't lower the speaker's status in the same way.

The phrase 'Iza, mairu!' used by samurai in anime and movies. Hatsumode (New Year's) scenes in almost every slice-of-life manga.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Train Station

電車が参ります (The train is coming)
次は銀座に参ります (Next, arriving at Ginza)
特急が参ります (The limited express is coming)
どちらへ参りますか？ (Which way are you going?)

At a Shrine

お参りをする (To pray/visit)
初詣に参る (To visit for the New Year)
お賽銭を入れて参る (To throw a coin and pray)
お守りを買いに参る (To come buy a charm)

Business Meeting

明日参ります (I will come tomorrow)
私が参ります (I will be the one to go)
後ほど参ります (I'll be there later)
こちらから参ります (I will go from my side)

Feeling Stressed

仕事に参っている (Overwhelmed by work)
暑さに参る (Overwhelmed by heat)
参りました (I'm beat)
悩みすぎて参る (Overwhelmed by worries)

Playing Games (Chess/Go)

参りました (I resign/You win)
完全に参った (I'm completely beaten)
その手には参った (That move got me)
参りましたと言う (To say 'I give up')

Conversation Starters

"最近、仕事が忙しくて参っていませんか？ (Aren't you overwhelmed by work lately?)"

"お正月はどこかにお参りに行きましたか？ (Did you go anywhere for a New Year's shrine visit?)"

"明日の会議には、何時ごろ参りますか？ (What time will you arrive at tomorrow's meeting?)"

"この夏の暑さには、本当に参りますね。 (The heat this summer is really overwhelming, isn't it?)"

"将棋で負けた時、素直に「参りました」と言えますか？ (Can you honestly say 'I'm beaten' when you lose at Shogi?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、自分が「参った」と感じた瞬間について書いてください。 (Write about a moment today when you felt overwhelmed.)

お墓参りや神社へのお参りについて、あなたの考えを教えてください。 (Tell me your thoughts on visiting graves or shrines.)

敬語の「参る」を正しく使えた時の経験。 (An experience when you used the humble 'mairu' correctly.)

もし歴史上の人物に会えるなら、誰のところに参りたいですか？ (If you could meet a historical figure, who would you visit?)

「参る」という言葉の３つの意味を使って、短い物語を作ってください。 (Create a short story using the three meanings of 'mairu'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. 'Mairu' is a humble verb for yourself. Using it for a boss is like saying 'My boss is a lowly person coming here.' Use 'irasshaimasu' instead.

Both! It is the humble version of both 'iku' (go) and 'kuru' (come). The context tells you the direction.

It's a form of extreme politeness from the building/elevator to the passengers, treating the passengers as superiors.

It's the act of visiting a shrine, temple, or grave to pay respects. The 'O' is a prefix for politeness.

It means 'I have been defeated' or 'I resign'. It's a very respectful way to end a match.

It is a Group 1 (Godan) verb. The 'ru' changes to 'ri', 'ra', 're', etc.

Yes, but it's stronger than just 'tsukareta'. It means you are 'done in' or 'overwhelmed' by something.

'Ukagau' is used when you are visiting a person's house or office. 'Mairu' is for general movement or religious visits.

Yes, it is written as 参る. The kanji 参 means to participate, visit, or the number three.

The 'overwhelmed' meaning is very common. The 'go/come' meaning is mostly for formal situations or announcements.