「申す」- Humble Form of "To Say"

Explanation

「申す」 (もうす) is the humble form of 「言う」 (いう), meaning "to say." In daily communication, 「申す」 is used to express one's words in a humble manner, particularly when introducing oneself or conveying information, to show respect and modesty toward the listener.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
申す	+ Noun	「申す」 is typically placed at the end of a sentence to emphasize the speaker's humility. It can connect with various nouns to form different sentence structures.

Basic Usage

The primary use of 「申す」 is seen in self-introductions and quoting others' words.

Examples

• 私わたしは田中たなかと申もうします。
• Watashi wa Tanaka to moushimasu.
• My name is Tanaka.
  

• 父ちちがこのように申もうしております。
• Chichi ga kono you ni moushite orimasu.
• My father said it like this.
  

Deep Dive

Basic Concept

「申す」 expresses the speaker's humility. For example, when introducing oneself, using 「申す」 shows respect toward the listener.

Complex Usage

「申す」 is not limited to simple self-introductions but can also be used to quote others' words, showing respect toward a third party. For example:

• 社長しゃちょうがこう申もうしておりました。
• Shachou ga kou moushite orimashita.
• The president said it like this.
  

Comparison and Differences

「申す」 vs. 「言う」

Grammar	Usage Context	Politeness Level
申す	Formal situations or when being humble	High
言う	General way of speaking	Normal

Example Comparison:

• 私わたしは田中たなかと申もうします。
• Watashi wa Tanaka to moushimasu.
• My name is Tanaka. (Humble form)
  

• 彼かれは田中たなかと言いいます。
• Kare wa Tanaka to iimasu.
• His name is Tanaka. (General form)
  

Real-Life Scenarios

• 田中たなか：初はじめまして、田中たなかと申もうします。どうぞよろしくお願ねがいします。
• Tanaka: Hajimemashite, Tanaka to moushimasu. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
• Nice to meet you, my name is Tanaka. Please treat me well.
  

• 社長しゃちょう：この件けんについて、何なにか意見いけんがありますか？
• Shachou: Kono ken ni tsuite, nanika iken ga arimasu ka?
• President: Do you have any opinions about this matter?
• 部下ぶか：はい、少すこし申もうし上げたいことがございます。
• Buka: Hai, sukoshi moushiagetai koto ga gozaimasu.
• Subordinate: Yes, there are a few things I would like to say.
  

Cultural Background and History

In Japanese culture, humility is considered a virtue. Using humble forms like 「申す」 is not only a linguistic way of showing respect but also a gesture of politeness and deference toward others. This humble expression is particularly important in Japanese business and social settings.

Summary

「申す」 plays a significant role as a humble form in Japanese, primarily used in formal situations and when addressing elders or superiors to emphasize the speaker's humility and politeness. Understanding its usage and differences from related grammar points helps in mastering polite expressions in Japanese more accurately.