Meaning
To cause, lead to, or bring about. Also used in formal or humble expressions for “do,” especially in written language or respectful communication.
- 致します — (humble) to do
- 一致 — agreement, match
- 致命的 — fatal, critical
- 致死 — lethal
- 致死量 — lethal dose
- 致知 — intellectual enlightenment
- 誘致 — invitation, attraction (e.g. investment)
- 送致 — sending (a person, e.g. to court)
致 consists of the radical 至 (reach) and elements that imply direction or sending. Its core meaning is to “cause” or “send toward” a result or outcome.
In keigo (respectful language), 致す is the humble version of する, used in formal situations. In legal or medical contexts, it often implies fatal consequences (致死, 致命的).
ご案内を 致します。
I will guide you. (formal expression)
その事故は 致命的でした。
The accident was fatal.
致す (いたす) is often used in polite speech instead of する.
For example, “申し上げます” and “お知らせいたします” are common in business emails or formal announcements.