![(Alt Text: Joy listening to a VIP [Ossharu] vs. Joy listening to a senior [Iwareru])](https://jplt-dialogplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-16-2026-05_50_52-PM.png)
(Joy listening to a VIP [Ossharu] vs. Joy listening to a senior [Iwareru])
“The President said…”
In Japanese business, you cannot just say “Iimashita”. You must use Honorifics (Sonkeigo). There are two main choices: おっしゃる (Ossharu) and 言われる (Iwareru). Which one should you use? Let’s learn with Joy and Ken!
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy is reporting to Ken about a meeting with the CEO.
(The President “said” [Honorific] that he will start a new project.)
(I see. Come to think of it, Manager Tanaka “was saying” [Polite] the same thing.)
💡 Explanation
Both are Honorifics (Respect language), but the “Grade” is different.
Point 1: Ossharu (おっしゃる) = Special Honorific
Level: High Respect (⭐⭐⭐)
This is a special verb dedicated to showing respect. Use this for Presidents, Customers, and Teachers.
⚠️ Conjugation Alert: It is Osshaimasu (おっしゃいます), NOT Ossharimasu.
- 社長（しゃちょう）が おっしゃいました。
(The President said.) - 先生（せんせい）の おっしゃる 通（とお）りです。
(It is exactly as the teacher says.)
Point 2: Iwareru (言われる) = Passive Honorific
Level: Moderate Respect (⭐⭐)
This uses the Passive Form (Reru/Rareru) to show respect. It is polite, but less formal than “Ossharu”. Use it for Senior colleagues or internal superiors.
*Note: “Iwareru” can also mean “To be told” (Passive voice), so rely on context.
- 田中さんが そう 言（い）われました。
(Mr. Tanaka said so. [Polite])
📊 Comparison Table
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
(Reporting what the customer said)
❌ Wrong: お客様（きゃくさま）が おっしゃりました。
(Grammar error! “Ossharu” is a Group 1 verb with irregular conjugation.)
✅ Right: お客様（きゃくさま）が おっしゃいました。
(Osshai-masu. Like “Iku -> Ikimasu” but focusing on the ‘i’ sound.)
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
