Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Say" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "say", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
もうす
もうす (mousu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
申し上げる
もうしあげる (moushiageru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "say" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もうす and 申し上げる.
In Japanese, もうす (もうす (mousu)) is typically associated with "to say, to be called (humble form of 言う)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Humble form of 言う.
On the other hand, 申し上げる (もうしあげる (moushiageru)) maps to "to say, to tell, to state (humble form of 言う)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 謙譲語（けんじょうご）。相手への敬意を示し、自分の行為をへりくだって言う時に使います。ビジネスシーンなどでよく使われます。Humble form of 言う. A literal translation of "say" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "もうす"
田中と申します。
My name is Tanaka (humble).
Bilingual Context for "申し上げる"
先生に感謝の気持ちを申し上げました。
I expressed my gratitude to my teacher.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "田中と申します。" (Meaning: "My name is Tanaka (humble).")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "もうす" fits here because it means "to say, to be called (humble form of 言う)" in the context of: "My name is Tanaka (humble).". "申し上げる" represents "to say, to tell, to state (humble form of 言う)".