申す

To Say (Humble)

Level 3Sounds Like mousu

申す（もうす） is the humble equivalent of the verb 言う（いう）. It is primarily used in formal situations, such as business introductions or when relaying messages from colleagues to clients, to show respect by lowering the speaker's status.

How It Works

1. Usage in Introductions
The most common use for learners is the phrase 「〜と申します」. While です is polite, 申します is significantly more formal and is the standard for business settings.

2. Relaying In-Group Information
When you speak to someone outside your company or family about what a member of your own group said, you use 申す. This lowers your group's status to show respect to the outsider. It is often used in the form 〜と申しております (is saying/says).

3. Grammatical Structure
申す is a Godan verb. In modern Japanese, it is almost always used in its ます form (「申す」→「申します」) or its ている humble form (「申しております」). While the plain form is rare in daily conversation, it appears in formal set phrases such as 「申すまでもなく」 (it goes without saying).

4. Distinction from 申し上げる
While both are humble, 申し上げる (もうしあげる) is used when the act of saying is a direct service or gesture toward a superior (like offering thanks or an apology). 申す is for general reporting of facts or names.

Examples (4)

  1. はじめまして。田中と申します。

    Nice to meet you. I am called Tanaka.

    Word by Word: For the first time. Tanaka [quote] say (humbly).

    This is the standard, professional way to introduce yourself in a business context.

  2. 弊社の山田が、そのように申しております。

    Our Mr. Yamada says so.

    Word by Word: Our company's Yamada [subject] that way [quote] is saying (humbly).

    Here, the speaker humbles their colleague (Yamada) because they are speaking to a client or someone outside the company.

  3. 正直に申しまして、その案には反対でございます。

    To speak frankly, I am opposed to that proposal.

    Word by Word: Honestly speaking (humbly), that proposal [target] opposition am (very polite).

    Using 申す here adds a layer of professional modesty when expressing a personal opinion or disagreement.

  4. 父がよろしくと申しておりました。

    My father said to give you his regards.

    Word by Word: Father [subject] well [quote] was saying (humbly).

    Used when relaying a message from a family member (in-group) to someone outside the family.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 申す to describe a superior's speech.

    部長がそのように申しました。
    部長がそのようにおっしゃいました。

    申す is humble (lowers the speaker). Using it for a superior (like a manager/部長) is disrespectful because it lowers their status. Use the honorific verb おっしゃる instead.

  • Using 申す in casual conversation.

    友達に「おはよう」と申しました。
    友達に「おはよう」と言いました。

    申す is strictly for formal or business situations. Using it with friends sounds unnaturally stiff or even sarcastic. Use 言う for daily life.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

申すLevel 3To Say (Humble)

Learn This First

申す is a specific humble verb (kenjougo) used to replace 言う when the speaker is lowering their own actions to show respect to the listener. To use it correctly, you need a solid grasp of Japanese honorific systems and the basic verb 'to say'.

Words in This Pattern

申す