Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Say" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "say", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
申し上げる
もうしあげる (moushiageru)
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 申し上げる and 申す.
In Japanese, 申し上げる (もうしあげる (moushiageru)) is typically associated with "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.
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 "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.
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: "先生に感謝の気持ちを申し上げました。" (Meaning: "I expressed my gratitude to my teacher.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "申し上げる" fits here because it means "to say, to tell, to state (humble form of 言う)" in the context of: "I expressed my gratitude to my teacher.". "申す" represents "to say, to be called (humble)".