Greetings and welcome to our guide on how to say “moushimasu”. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, planning a trip to Japan, or simply curious about Japanese etiquette, we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “moushimasu,” highlighting tips, examples, and even regional variations. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Moushimasu
The word “moushimasu” (申し【もう】ます) is a polite version of the verb “suru” (する) meaning “to do” or “to say.” It is often used to show respect and politeness towards others. In formal situations, you can use “moushimasu” to express yourself. Here are a few tips on using it:
Tips:
- Use “moushimasu” when speaking to someone of higher social status, such as a superior, an elder, or a stranger.
- Always say “moushimasu” after your verbs to make your statements or requests more polite.
- When using nouns instead of verbs, attach “desu” or “masu” to the end, followed by “moushimasu” to form the polite expression.
Examples:
Example 1:
Watashi wa ginkou de hatarakimasu.
(I work at the bank.)
Polite:
Watashi wa ginkou de hatarakimoushimasu.
(I work at the bank.)
Example 2:
Anata ni tegami o kakimasu.
(I will write you a letter.)
Polite:
Anata ni tegami o kakimoushimasu.
(I will write you a letter.)
Informal Ways to Say Moushimasu
While using “moushimasu” is appropriate for formal situations, it may sound overly polite in informal settings. In casual language, you can drop “moushimasu” and use other variations of “suru” or omit it altogether. Take a look at these tips:
Tips:
- In informal conversations with friends or family, you can remove “moushimasu” and use “suru” or other alternatives instead.
- Using the dictionary form of the verb is a common practice in casual language.
- Pay attention to your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. If unsure, it’s best to opt for politeness.
Examples:
Example 1:
Issho ni eiga o mimashou.
(Let’s watch a movie together.)
Informal:
Eiga o mimashou.
(Let’s watch a movie.)
Example 2:
Ramen tabemasu ka?
(Do you eat ramen?)
Informal:
Ramen taberu?
(Do you eat ramen?)
Regional Variations
Japanese is rich with regional dialects, and some areas have variations in how they express politeness. While “moushimasu” is widely understood and used across Japan, variations like “moraimasu” or “itadakimasu” are specific to certain regions or situations. However, for beginners, it’s best to focus on the commonly used “moushimasu.” Here’s an example:
Example:
Example:
Sake o moraimashita.
(I received some sake.)
Regional Variation (Kansai dialect):
Sake o moo-ride-mootta.
(I received some sake.)
Remember, diving into regional variations is best suited for intermediate or advanced learners as it can be complex and the subtleties may differ.
In Conclusion
Congratulations! You have reached the end of our guide on how to say “moushimasu.” You’ve learned about both formal and informal ways of using this term, discovered some helpful tips, and explored a regional variation example. Whether you’re aiming for politeness or adapting to casual conversations, using “moushimasu” correctly is essential in Japanese etiquette. Enjoy practicing and remember to always consider the context and your relationship with the other person. Happy language learning!
