What is Ai-moushi-agemasu?
“Ai-moushi-agemasu” (相申しあげます) is a highly formal, humble expression used in business contexts to mean “to state,” “to inform,” or “to express.” It elevates the act of speaking to show deep respect toward the listener, often used when addressing superiors or external clients in formal documents, speeches, or critical notifications.
During my first few years working in a Tokyo-based firm, I remember sitting in a boardroom while our section chief delivered a formal announcement about a project change. He didn’t just say ‘iimasu’ (to say); he utilized the phrasing ‘Ai-moushi-agemasu.’ The atmosphere shifted instantly—the room grew quiet, and the weight of the communication was acknowledged by everyone present. That is the power of high-level keigo.
The Cultural Weight of the Phrase
In Japanese business, words are not just vessels for information; they are tools for maintaining hierarchy and social harmony. When you use ‘Ai-moushi-agemasu,’ you are positioning yourself as the ‘humble provider of information.’ It effectively acts as a linguistic signal that you are honoring the status of the person receiving the message.
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make
The most frequent error I see is the ‘over-application’ of the phrase. Many learners, eager to sound professional, use it in casual meetings or with close colleagues. If you use this phrasing to suggest a lunch plan or discuss a minor task, you will sound like a parody of a period drama. It is designed for:
- Formal project completions.
- Serious notifications regarding policy shifts.
- Deep apologies or official statements of intent.
Incorrect usage: “Tanaka-san, lunch no ken ni tsuite, ai-moushi-agemasu.” (This sounds bizarrely stiff and comical.)
Correct usage: “Kono tabi no keiyaku koushin ni tsuite, tsutsushinde ai-moushi-agemasu.” (With regard to the contract renewal, I humbly submit this statement.)
If you are looking to master the flow of professional communication, don’t forget to refine your basic request structures first. Check out O-negai ga arimasu: Mastering the Art of Making Requests in Japan for foundational advice.
Pro-Tip: Is it outdated?
While some younger Japanese professionals avoid overly dense keigo, ‘Ai-moushi-agemasu’ remains a gold standard in written correspondence. In emails, you might see it written as ‘moushi-agemasu.’ The prefix ‘ai-‘ adds a layer of formality often reserved for public announcements or written declarations. When in doubt, scale back the formality to ‘moushi-agemasu’ unless you are drafting a formal company notice.
Another point of confusion is how this fits into the broader corporate communication strategy. Understanding how to handle ‘bad news’ or critical feedback is just as important as knowing how to state it formally. I highly recommend cross-referencing your tone with Sore wa Komaru: The Polite Way to Say ‘That’s a Problem’ in Japan to ensure you aren’t just being polite, but effectively communicating your stance.
Slang Variations and Reality
In the modern startup scene, you won’t hear this on a Zoom call between a design team and their lead. However, in traditional shosha (trading companies) or government-affiliated work, mastering this phrase is a rite of passage. It is not ‘slang,’ but rather the anchor of professional decorum. Treat it as a ‘specialized tool’ in your linguistic kit—keep it polished, but use it only when the occasion demands gravity.
