To Exist

My startling find of the day is the following kanji:

ございます, 御座います　to be, exist (teineigo)

This reminds me of the time I first saw the kanji for います、居ます.

Comments

[投稿： Toshiharu]

It's been a long time since I came here last time. How are you? I'm fine.

ございます is the word that is changed from ござります(Edo era's word) .

And ござります is the polite version of ござる(御座る).

Then,
normal→polite→more polite
ある → あります → ございます

[投稿： dr Dave]

Heh, it's really interesting to see how some people (depending on the kanji environment they evolve in, I think) are familiar or completely taken aback with certain kanjis...

For example I've practically only ever seen います (in this meaning) written as 居ます, or more exactly 居る. In fact, it would sound quite confusing not to use it for times such as when saying: "居るの?" (in a chat window or in a keitai mail).

As for 御座います, I admit I was also surprised to see it a few times on some signs, but at least it's easy to read even if you've never seen it. BTW, did you know that the very polite 丁寧語 version is: 御座居ます :-)

[投稿： Darren]

Toshiharu, thanks for coming back! I'm glad you are well. That's an interesting story of the evolution of the word, thanks a lot ;)

Dr. Dave, I don't recall the context that 居る was used in the first time I saw it. I am surprised by what you say about using 居る so regularly. None of my friends in e-mails, 携帯 or otherwise, use the kanji form of いる.

御座居ます, a triple kanji verb?! Is that correct, or are you winding me up? I realise the first one is an additional kanji of sorts.