"～てさしあげます" is the humble form of "～てあげます". It is used when you do a favor for someone of higher status, such as a superior, customer, or client. By using this expression, you humble your own action to show respect to the recipient.
The subject is "I" (the speaker), and the particle "に" marks the receiver (a person of higher status or a customer). This expression humbles your own action.
Verb Conjugation
| Masu-form | Te-form + さしあげます | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 案内(あんない)します | 案内してさしあげます | Humbly guide |
| 説明(せつめい)します | 説明してさしあげます | Humbly explain |
| 持(も)ちます | 持ってさしあげます | Humbly carry |
私 が お客様 に 資料を 送ってさしあげます。
watashi ga okyakusama ni, shiryou wo okutte sashiagemasu.
I will (humbly) send the documents to the customer.
駅 まで 送ってさしあげましょうか。
eki made okutte sashiagemashou ka.
Shall I (humbly) take you to the station?
Comparison Summary
| Expression | Used For | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 〜てあげます | Friends / Juniors | Doing a favor (casual) |
| 〜てさしあげます | Superiors / Customers | Humbly doing a favor (polite) |
| 〜ていただきます | Superior → Me | Humbly receiving a favor |
While "〜てさしあげます" is a humble expression, it can sometimes sound condescending or like you're emphasizing your own kindness. In business situations, using forms like "お〜します" or "ご〜します" is often more natural. Examples: "ご案内します" (I'll guide you), "お持ちします" (I'll carry it).
⚡ Practice Quiz
Check your understanding!