Business Japanese – Difference between “申す・申し上げる” and “存じる・存じ上げる”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “申す・存じる” and “申し上げる・存じ上げる”
2. Types of Keigo
3. Humble Language (謙譲語)
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “申す・存じる” and “申し上げる・存じ上げる“?
A: These are forms of honorific expressions known as “humble language” (謙譲語). However, “申す・存じる” and “申し上げる・存じ上げる” differ in their usage and the level of respect they convey.
Types of Keigo
Keigo can be broadly divided into three categories:
- 尊敬語 (respectful language)
- 謙譲語 (humble language)
- 丁寧語 (polite language)
It can also be further classified into five categories:
- 尊敬語 (respectful language)
- 謙譲語 I (humble language)
- 謙譲語 II (courteous language)
- 丁寧語 (polite language)
- 美化語 (beautified language)
For a detailed explanation
of the types of honorific language,
check out the article linked!
Humble Language (謙譲語)
There are various types of honorific language in Japanese, but here we will focus only on “humble language” (謙譲語). Humble language involves “humbling oneself,” which means placing oneself in a lower position to show respect to the other person.
The existence of such expressions is rooted in Japan’s historical emphasis on social hierarchy and the importance placed on maintaining awareness of vertical relationships within society.
[Basic Differences Between Humble Language I and Humble Language II]
・Humble Language I (謙譲語Ⅰ): “申し上げる” and “存じ上げる”
This form emphasizes that the speaker is “doing something for the benefit of the other person.”
The action is directed toward the other person, serving a more active role in conveying respect.
・Humble Language II (謙譲語Ⅱ, Polite Language): “申す” and “存じる”
This form expresses the speaker’s “own actions or state” in a modest way.
It is not a direct act toward the other person but rather a polite manner of stating facts or actions while maintaining respect.
[The Difference Between “申す” and “申し上げる“]
・申し上げる = 言う(to say)（Humble Language I）
This is used when the speaker is stating something for the benefit of the other person.
It places greater emphasis on respect toward the listener.
[Examples]
心よりお礼ます。
I sincerely express my gratitude.
⇒ This conveys the nuance of performing the act of expressing gratitude for the other person.
深くお詫び申し上げます。
I deeply apologize.
⇒ This communicates respect and an apology to the other person through the act of apologizing.
・申す = 言う(to say)（Humble Language II）
This is used to modestly express one’s own actions.
It conveys or states information from the speaker to the subject in a self-deprecating manner.
[Examples]
私は鈴木と申します。
I am Suzuki.
⇒ This modestly expresses the act of stating one’s own name.
この件については私から申しました。
I mentioned this matter myself.
⇒ This is appropriate when humbly conveying one’s own statement.
Key Difference: “申す” modestly expresses the act of conveying information itself, while “申し上げる” emphasizes that the act is performed for the benefit of the other person.
[The Difference Between “存じる” and “存じ上げる”]
・存じ上げる = 知る（Humble Language I）
This expression indicates that the speaker’s recognition is related to the other person and conveys respect.
It is primarily used in the context of “knowing,” with a strong nuance of honoring the other person.
[Examples]
鈴木様のことは以前から存じ上げております。
I have known about Mr. Suzuki for some time.
⇒ This expresses respect by indicating awareness of the other person.
貴社の部長のお名前は存じ上げております。
I have been aware of your company’s manager’s name.
⇒ This conveys respect by acknowledging knowledge of the manager’s name or existence.
・存じる = 知る（Humble Language II）
This is used to modestly express one’s thoughts or awareness.
It conveys facts or opinions politely while maintaining consideration for the relationship with the other person.
[Examples]
その件については存じております。
I am aware of that matter.
⇒ This modestly expresses “knowing.”
鈴木様のご意見については存じませんでした。
I was not aware of Mr. Suzuki’s opinion.
⇒ This is appropriate for politely conveying one’s lack of awareness.
Key Difference:
While “存じる” modestly expresses one’s recognition, “存じ上げる” emphasizes that the awareness is directed toward the other person, highlighting respect.
Let’s Compare
Which is more appropriate in the following situations?
[Example]
こちらの電話番号を（申します・申し上げます）ので、メモをお願いいたします。
In this case, both are not incorrect, but “申し上げます” is more appropriate as it modestly conveys the speaker’s action while showing greater respect toward the listener.
Now, how about this situation?
[Example]
私は鈴木と（申します・申し上げます）。
The correct answer is “申します.”
In this case, the speaker is humbly stating their own name without directing the action specifically toward the listener.
Summary
- “申し上げる” and “存じ上げる” fall under Humble Language I (謙譲語Ⅰ), while “申す” and “存じる” belong to Humble Language II (謙譲語Ⅱ, Polite Type). The key difference lies in the situations where they are used and the degree of respect conveyed toward the listener.
- Humble Language II is used when the speaker’s actions are directed at the listener, with the listener passively receiving or hearing the action.
- Humble Language I, on the other hand, expresses actions performed by the speaker for the benefit of the listener, demonstrating stronger respect through a more modest expression.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 存じます
Bのほうがよろしいかと存じます。
I believe option B would be better.
*The correct choice is “存じます” because it modestly expresses one’s own opinion.
A. 申し上げます
ご迷惑をおかけしたこと、深くお詫び申し上げます。
I deeply apologize for causing you trouble.
*The correct choice is “申し上げます” because the act of apologizing (“お詫び”) is directed toward the other person.
A. 申します
「お名前は何とおっしゃいますか。」
「田中と申します。」
“What is your name?”
“My name is Tanaka.”
*The correct choice is “申します” because it humbly expresses the same meaning as “My name is Tanaka.”
A.存じ上げて
山田様のことは存じ上げておりますが、実際にお会いしたことはありません。
I am aware of Mr. Yamada, but I have never met him in person.
*The appropriate choice is “存じ上げております” because it expresses respect for being aware of the other person.
