おっしゃる

• Reading: おっしゃる
• Romaji: ossharu
• Kanji breakdown: 仰 (gyou/kou/oo) — look up, say (honorific) — usually written in hiragana
• Pronunciation: /oɕ.ɕa.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To say; to speak. The honorific form of 言う, used to show respect for the speaker being referenced.

A special Group 1 verb (五段aru verb) with irregular conjugation — the ます form is おっしゃいます (not おっしゃります). An honorific (尊敬語) expression that elevates the person who said something. Never used about yourself. Commonly heard in business, interviews, and formal conversation.

Examples

1. 先生がおっしゃったことをメモしてください。 Please take notes on what the teacher said.
2. 社長は何とおっしゃっていましたか。 What did the company president say?
3. おっしゃる通りだと思います。 I think you're absolutely right.

Usage Guide

Context: business, formal speech, customer service

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

From the kanji 仰 (look up, revere). The word developed as a respectful way to refer to speech from someone of higher status, literally looking up to their words.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Upper/formal