申 — To Say, Report, Apply, Monkey (Zodiac)

Meaning

The kanji 申 (mō.su, shin) primarily means "to say," "to state," "to report," or "to apply." When used with its kun'yomi もう.す, it often implies a humble or polite form of speech. Beyond these verbal meanings, 申 also denotes the ninth sign of the Chinese zodiac, the Monkey. In traditional timekeeping, it's associated with a specific hour and direction.

Tracing its origins, 申 is thought to be a pictograph depicting a flash of lightning, or perhaps a spindle used in weaving. Its form evolved over time, broadening its meaning from the original depiction. Ancient forms depicted two lightning bolts or a coil. In its modern form, the direct visual connection to 'saying' or 'reporting' isn't immediately obvious. However, some theories suggest a metaphorical link between the swift, striking nature of lightning and the quick delivery of a message or statement. This fundamental character is taught in the third grade of Japanese elementary school (Grade 3 kanji). It's also an official N3 JLPT character, making it crucial for intermediate learners to master for both everyday communication and formal contexts.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

When used with its on'yomi, 申 is pronounced シン (SHIN). You'll frequently encounter this reading in words related to applications, declarations, and reports, especially in contexts derived from ancient Chinese concepts.

• 申請しんせい (shinsei) — An application, petition, request. This word is crucial in formal contexts when submitting documents or making official requests for permits, visas, or services. For instance, applying for a visa or a scholarship often uses this term.
• 申告しんこく (shinkoku) — A declaration, report, statement. You'll often encounter this in legal or administrative settings, such as filing a tax declaration or reporting an incident to the authorities. It implies a formal statement of facts.

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

For its kun'yomi, 申 primarily takes two readings. The first is もう.す (mō.su), the humble form of "to say" or "to tell." This reading is used to show respect to the person you are speaking to or about. The other key reading is さる (saru), used exclusively when 申 refers to the Chinese zodiac sign of the Monkey.

• 申もうす (mōsu) — To say, to tell (humble). This is a vital verb in polite Japanese conversation and business settings, indispensable for conveying respect. It is used when the speaker is humbling themselves relative to the listener, for example, "My name is..." (〜と申します).
• 申もうしあげる (mōshiageru) — To say, to tell (even more humble and respectful, often used in formal situations). This compound verb elevates the politeness level even further, making it suitable for very formal apologies or communications.
• 申さる (saru) — Monkey (specifically as the zodiac sign). While the animal itself is usually written with 猿 (saru), 申 is the character used for the zodiac sign and in phrases like "Year of the Monkey."

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 申 appears in many common words and compounds, particularly those connected to communication, applications, and official procedures. Understanding these words is crucial for navigating daily life and formal contexts in Japan.

• Communication & Applications:

• 申もうしこむ (mōshikomu) — To apply for, to propose, to subscribe. This verb is widely used for formally registering or signing up for various services, events, or memberships, such as a gym membership or an online course.

• 申もうしでる (mōshideru) — To offer, to propose, to report. This often implies making a suggestion, bringing an issue to attention, or volunteering for something.

• 申もうし込み書しょ (mōshikomisho) — An application form. This is a very common document you would encounter when applying for anything from a job to a library card.

• 申もうし送り (mōshiokuri) — A message, a report, information passed on. This refers to relaying important information or instructions to someone else, especially in a work context like handing over tasks.

• Apologies & Explanations:

• 申もうし訳 (mōshiwake) — Apology, excuse. Often used in the phrase 申もうし訳ない (mōshiwakenai), meaning "I'm sorry."

• 申もうし訳ない (mōshiwakenai) — I'm sorry, I apologize. This is a very common phrase expressing regret or apology, indicating a deep sense of responsibility.

• 申もうしひらき (mōshihiraki) — An explanation, an excuse. This refers to explaining one's actions, reasons, or intentions, often to clarify a misunderstanding or mitigate blame.

• Official & Legal Terms:

• 申しん請せい書しょ (shinseisho) — An application form. Similar to 申もうし込み書しょ but often for more formal or governmental procedures, such as a permit application.

• 申しん告こく書しょ (shinkokusho) — A declaration form. Examples include tax declaration forms (確定かくてい申しん告こく) or customs declarations.

• 異議申立いぎもうしたて (igi mōshitate) — An objection, a protest. Used to formally express disagreement or file a complaint, for example, against a legal decision.

• Zodiac & Time:

• 申年さるどし (sarudoshi) — The Year of the Monkey (in the Chinese zodiac). While written with 申, it consistently takes the kun'yomi さる.

Example Sentences

Memory Tip

To remember the kanji 申, you can visualize it in a few ways. One approach is to see it as a simplified lightning bolt flashing across the sky. This swiftness can be associated with "making a report" or "stating something quickly and directly." Another effective mnemonic is to imagine a person kneeling down, humbly "stating" or "reporting" something to a superior. The top stroke forms the head, while the bottom two strokes form the body and legs. When linking it to its zodiac meaning, think of the flowing, agile movements of a monkey, or perhaps the character's shape resembling a stylized monkey hanging from a branch.