1.
to say (humble)
Humble form of 言う, used when referring to one's own speech.
何と申しましょうか。
What should I say?
申し訳ございませんが、もう一度お名前をお聞かせいただけますか。
I'm terribly sorry, but could you tell me your name once more?
申し訳ない = I'm sorry (lit. there's no excuse)
先ほど担当の者が申しました通り、来週までにご連絡いたします。
As our representative mentioned earlier, we will contact you by next week.
Using 申す for in-group members when speaking to outsiders
2.
to be called (humble)
Used when introducing oneself humbly.
田中と申します。
My name is Tanaka.
Humble self-introduction
ABC商事の鈴木と申しますが、山田様はいらっしゃいますか。
My name is Suzuki from ABC Trading — is Mr. Yamada available?
Business phone introduction
初めまして、本日司会を務めます佐藤と申します。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
Nice to meet you. My name is Sato, and I will be serving as today's host. Pleased to meet you.
申す is the humble form of 言う, used to lower oneself when speaking.
CONJUGATION:
- 申します (polite)
- 申して (te-form)
- 申した (past)
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 〜と申します: my name is...
- 申し訳ない: I'm sorry (lit. there's no excuse)
KEIGO TYPE:
- 謙譲語: Humble language
- Honorific equivalent: おっしゃる