Modesty
When using wa as the basis for a relationship, things will not go smoothly if
both parties egotistically emphasize their own capabilities.A Japanese person
would in fact downplay his own capabilities while paying respect to the other
person and build the relationship in that way. This concept of putting oneself
below another and not presuming to show one's capabilities is called kenjo.
One cannot take the words at their face value when told: “I don't know
anything." In Japan, the greater the capabilities of a person is, (ア those
イ will state
ウ
more modestly
エ capabilities
オ the
カ he), and
thus in fact such persons are more respected.