Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Say" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "say", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
おっしゃる
おっしゃる (ossharu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
申す
もうす (mōsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "say" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おっしゃる and 申す.
In Japanese, おっしゃる (おっしゃる (ossharu)) is typically associated with "to say (honorific form of 言う)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Honorific form of 言う.
On the other hand, 申す (もうす (mōsu)) maps to "to say, to be called (humble)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Humble form of 言う. A literal translation of "say" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "おっしゃる"
先生がおっしゃった通り、この問題はとても大切です。
As the teacher said, this problem is very important.
Bilingual Context for "申す"
私は田中と申します。
My name is Tanaka. (Lit. I am called Tanaka.)
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "先生がおっしゃった通り、この問題はとても大切です。" (Meaning: "As the teacher said, this problem is very important.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "おっしゃる" fits here because it means "to say (honorific form of 言う)" in the context of: "As the teacher said, this problem is very important.". "申す" represents "to say, to be called (humble)".