「おっしゃる」- Explanation, Pronunciation, and Usage

Explanation

「おっしゃる」 (おっしゃる) is the honorific form of the verb "to say" (言いう), used to show respect towards the listener or a third party. This term is often used in formal settings or when speaking to elders, superiors, or others who warrant respect.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
おっしゃる	No specific connection	The honorific form of "to say," used to express respect towards the listener or a third party.

Basic Usage

The primary uses of 「おっしゃる」 are as follows:

• To show respect towards elders, superiors, teachers, etc.
• In formal settings such as speeches, meetings, etc.

Examples

• 彼かれは先生せんせいに何なにかおっしゃいましたか？
• Kare wa sensei ni nani ka osshaimashita ka?
• Did he say something to the teacher?
  

• 会議かいぎ中ちゅうに社長しゃちょうが何なにかおっしゃいました。
• Kaigi-chuu ni shachou ga nani ka osshaimashita.
• The president said something during the meeting.
  

Deep Dive

Usage scenarios for 「おっしゃる」:

• Formal settings: In formal settings, 「おっしゃる」 is used to show respect to the speaker.
  • 会議かいぎ中ちゅうに何なにかおっしゃることがあれば、どうぞご自由じゆうにおっしゃってください。
  • Kaigi-chuu ni nani ka ossharu koto ga areba, douzo go-jiyuu ni osshatte kudasai.
  • If you have anything to say during the meeting, please feel free to speak up.
    
• With elders or superiors: Used when speaking to elders or superiors to show politeness.
  • お母かあさんが何なにかおっしゃっています。
  • Okaa-san ga nani ka osshatte imasu.
  • My mother is saying something.
    

Comparison and Differences

「おっしゃる」 vs. 「言いう」

Expression	Usage	Example	English Translation
おっしゃる	Honorific form	先生せんせいは何なにかおっしゃいましたか？	Did the teacher say something?
言いう	Neutral form	彼かれは何なにか言いいました。	He said something.

Real-Life Scenarios

1. Conversation with a teacher:

• 学生がくせい：先生せんせい、明日あしたの授業じゅぎょうは何時なんじに始はじまるかおっしゃっていただけますか？
• Gakusei: Sensei, ashita no jugyou wa nanji ni hajimaru ka osshatte itadakemasu ka?
• Student: Teacher, could you tell me what time tomorrow's class starts?
• 先生せんせい：明日あしたの授業じゅぎょうは10時じに始はじまります。
• Sensei: Ashita no jugyou wa 10-ji ni hajimarimasu.
• Teacher: Tomorrow's class starts at 10.
• 学生がくせい：ありがとうございます。
• Gakusei: Arigatou gozaimasu.
• Student: Thank you.
  

2. In a meeting:

• 社員しゃいんA：社長しゃちょう、次つぎのプロジェクトぷろじぇくとについておっしゃりたいことがありますか？
• Shain A: Shachou, tsugi no purojekuto ni tsuite ossharitai koto ga arimasu ka?
• Employee A: President, do you have anything you'd like to say about the next project?
• 社長しゃちょう：はい、次つぎのプロジェクトぷろじぇくとは重要じゅうようですので、全員ぜんいんで協力きょうりょくしましょう。
• Shachou: Hai, tsugi no purojekuto wa juuyou desu node, zen'in de kyouryoku shimashou.
• President: Yes, the next project is important, so let's all work together.
• 社員しゃいんA：了解りょうかいしました。
• Shain A: Ryoukai shimashita.
• Employee A: Understood.
  

Additional Grammar Notes

「おっしゃる」 is not only used in direct conversation but also when quoting someone to show respect towards the person being quoted. This is particularly important in daily communication, especially when referring to respected individuals.

• 先生せんせいが「明日あしたは休講きゅうこうです」とおっしゃいました。
• Sensei ga "Ashita wa kyuukou desu" to osshaimashita.
• The teacher said, "There will be no class tomorrow."

Summary

Through the above explanations and examples, you can clearly understand and correctly use the honorific form 「おっしゃる」, allowing you to express respect and politeness more effectively in Japanese communication.