This means 'to be doing' or 'to be in a state'. It is a very polite way to speak. It also makes the speaker seem humble.
Verb [て-form] + おるPrimary
This means 'to be doing' or 'to be in a state'. It is a very polite way to speak. It also makes the speaker seem humble.
社長として、常に社員の幸福を願っておる。
As the company president, I am always wishing for the happiness of the employees.
わしが若い頃は、この辺りにもっと店が並んでおったのう。
When I was young, there were more shops lined up around here.
申し訳ないが、その件に関してはまだ何も聞いておらぬ。
I apologize, but I have not heard anything regarding that matter yet.
私が担当しておるプロジェクトの進捗についてご報告します。
I will report on the progress of the project that I am in charge of.
長年この道を研究しておるが、未だに奥義は掴めていない。
I have been studying this path for many years, but I still have not grasped its deepest secrets.
This phrase sounds like an old man or a wise teacher is speaking. It is like a character in a play. Do not use it in normal talks.
This is different from 〜ております. That form is polite. Use 〜ております for customers or bosses. 〜ておる can sound old-fashioned. It can also sound rude from a boss to a worker. The normal way to say this is 〜ている.
Don't use this when talking about others. For example, don't say "Tanaka-san wa matte orimasu." You use this form only for yourself or your group. It shows humility. For others, use "~te irassharu" instead.
Less formal alternatives(1)
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