申し上げる

• Reading: もうしあげる
• Romaji: moushiageru
• Kanji breakdown: 申 (shin/mou) — say (humble); 上 (jou/a) — up, above; げる — auxiliary verb
• Pronunciation: /moː.ɕi.a.ɡe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

Humble form of 言う (to say) and 伝える (to tell). Used to lower oneself when speaking to superiors.

A Group 2 (ichidan) humble verb. Part of the keigo system alongside 申す (also humble for 'to say,' but less formal). Common in business phrases like お礼を申し上げます (I express my gratitude) and 一言申し上げます (Allow me to say a word). Always refers to one's own speech, never to what others say.

Examples

1. ひとつお願いを申し上げてもよろしいですか。 May I make one request?
2. お礼を申し上げます。 I would like to express my gratitude.
3. 大切なことを申し上げたいのですが。 There is something important I would like to say.

Usage Guide

Context: business, formal speech, ceremonies

Tone: humble

Origin & History

Compound of 申す (humble: to say) and 上げる (to raise up). Literally 'saying upward,' expressing the act of humbly directing speech toward a superior.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal