Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Say" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "say", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
言う
いう (iu)
N5 / 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 言う and 申す.
In Japanese, 言う (いう (iu)) is typically associated with "to say, to tell" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used to report what someone says, to express one's own thoughts, or to tell something. Polite form is 言います.
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 "言う"
先生が「おはよう」と言いました。
The teacher said, "Good morning."
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「おはよう」と言いました。" (Meaning: "The teacher said, "Good morning."")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "言う" fits here because it means "to say, to tell" in the context of: "The teacher said, "Good morning."". "申す" represents "to say, to be called (humble)".