申す

• Reading: もうす
• Romaji: mousu
• Kanji breakdown: 申 (shin/mou) — say (humbly), report, monkey (zodiac)
• Pronunciation: /moː.sɯ/

Meaning

To say; to be called (extra-modest/humble). The humble form of 言う, used when referring to one's own speech.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the す row. Essential keigo verb for N4. Used to humbly refer to one's own speech acts. 申します is the standard polite form. The compound 申し込む (moushikomu, to apply) is also very common.

Examples

1. 私は山田と申します。よろしくお願いします。 My name is Yamada. Pleased to meet you.
2. お客様に一つ申し上げたいことがあります。 There is one thing I would like to say to the customer.
3. すみません、もう一度申してもよろしいですか。 Excuse me, may I say that once more?

Usage Guide

Context: self-introduction, business, customer service

Tone: humble

Origin & History

Originally meant 'to speak to a superior' in classical Japanese. The kanji 申 depicts lightning stretching through clouds, related to the heavenly act of reporting or petitioning upward.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal