Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Say" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "say", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
申す
もうす (mōsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
言い放つ
いいはなつ (iihanatsu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "say" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 申す and 言い放つ.
In Japanese, 申す (もうす (mōsu)) is typically associated with "to say, to be called (humble)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Humble form of 言う.
On the other hand, 言い放つ (いいはなつ (iihanatsu)) maps to "to say bluntly" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "say" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "申す"
私は田中と申します。
My name is Tanaka. (Lit. I am called Tanaka.)
Bilingual Context for "言い放つ"
毎日、日本語を練習するために言い放つ。
Every day, I say bluntly to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は田中と申します。" (Meaning: "My name is Tanaka. (Lit. I am called Tanaka.)")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "申す" fits here because it means "to say, to be called (humble)" in the context of: "My name is Tanaka. (Lit. I am called Tanaka.)". "言い放つ" represents "to say bluntly".