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    Dictionary
    1. Dictionary
    2. Grammar
    3. 申す

    申す

    申す

    This word means 'to say' or 'to be called'. You use it to show respect to someone above you.

    N3KMT4HumbleStandardHonorific ConstructionMixedKenjougo Verbs SpecialGrammar

    <Name/Quote + と> + 申すPrimary

    This word means 'to say' or 'to be called'. You use it to show respect to someone above you.

    営えい業ぎょう部ぶの田た中なかと申もうします。よろしくお願ねがいいたします。

    My name is Tanaka, from the sales department. It's a pleasure to meet you.

    HumbleNon PastAffirmativeSentence EndingDeclarativeBusiness & FinanceWork & Career
    先さきほどお電でん話わで申もうしました通とおり、会かい議ぎは来らい週しゅうに延えん期きとなりました。

    As I mentioned on the phone earlier, the meeting has been postponed until next week.

    HumblePastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeBusiness & FinanceWork & Career
    申もうし訳わけございませんが、その件けんについてはまだ何なにも申もうせません。

    I am very sorry, but I cannot say anything about that matter yet.

    HumbleNon PastNegativeSentence EndingAbilityBusiness & Finance
    私わたくし、佐さ藤とうと申もうす者ものですが、鈴すず木き様さまはいらっしゃいますでしょうか。

    My name is Sato, is Mr./Ms. Suzuki available?

    HumbleNon PastAffirmativePrenominalRequestWork & Career
    お客きゃく様さまからご指し摘てきいただいた点てんについては、そのように担たん当とう者しゃには申もうしておりません。

    Regarding the point the customer raised, I have not told the person in charge such a thing.

    HumblePastNegativeSentence EndingDeclarativeBusiness & Finance

    You use '申す' to say your own name. It is a very polite way to introduce yourself. It shows respect to the person you are talking to.

    申す (mōsu) means "to say" but in a humble way. It is for when you are speaking. おっしゃる (ossharu) also means "to say." But you use it for someone superior. 言う (iu) is the normal way to say "to say." 申す is not for "to think" or "to know." That is 存じる (zonjiru).

    Watch out: Do not use 申す for someone else. It makes them sound humble. This can be rude. Always use おっしゃる when a superior speaks.

    Don't use this when you talk to friends. For example, saying "I will say something" to a friend using this word sounds too formal. Use this word only in formal situations. Use it when you talk to people like your boss or customers. This word makes your speaking sound humble. It shows respect to the person you are talking to. It is like saying "I humbly state" in English.

    Less formal alternatives(1)

    存じる

    This word means 'to know' or 'to think'. You use it to show respect to the person you are talking to.

    辞書形

    This is the basic form of a verb. It is what you find in a dictionary. You use it to make other verb forms.

    ます形

    This is a polite verb ending. You use it to show respect. It is the basic way to speak politely in Japanese.

    〜と (quotation)

    This word shows what someone said. It also shows what someone thought. Or it shows a sound someone heard.

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    Related concepts for this entry

    less_formal_than

    • 存じる

    prerequisite

    • 辞書形
    • ます形
    • 〜と (quotation)
    • 伺う
    • 平素は格別のご高配を賜り、厚く御礼申し上げます
    • 感謝申し上げます
    • 貴社ますますご清栄のこととお慶び申し上げます
    • 申し上げにくいのですが
    • 何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます
    • お礼申し上げます
    • お詫び申し上げます

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