Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 会話 | kaiwa | [ka̠iβ̞a̠] (narrow) |
| 対話 | taiwa | [ta̠iβ̞a̠] (narrow) |
| 話 | hanashi | [ha̠na̠ɕi] (narrow) |
| カンバセーション | kanbāsēshon |
In Japanese, the term for the expression and exchange of ideas through talking varies depending on the context and depth of the interaction. While 会話 is the general term, you might also encounter words for more specific types of communication, such as a deep, contemplative conversation or the act of speaking itself.
Which one should you use?
There are distinct nuances between the available forms. 会話 is the most common and general term for a conversation. In contrast, 対話 refers to a more formal or serious 'dialogue' specifically aimed at achieving mutual understanding or resolving issues. The term 話 is a more casual and versatile word that can refer to a conversation, a story or simply the things being said.
How do you pronounce it?
kaiwa
Did you know?
- Japanese has a concept called 以心伝心 (ishin denshin), which describes a 'conversation' where two people understand each other without speaking a word.
- Japanese culture places high value on 間 (ma), the strategic silence between words in a 会話 which is considered a form of communication itself.
- In Japanese, the word 話 can be used as a counter to count the number of 'stories' or 'episodes' in a manga or anime series.
Examples in context
- 会話に加われば？Why don't you join in the conversation?This sentence is useful for suggesting someone join a 会話.Tatoeba #185209 by bunbuku, translation #22341 by CK
- 面白い話をありがとう。Thanks for the interesting conversation.This sentence is useful for thanking someone for an interesting 話.Tatoeba #11924162 by small_snow, translation #10970755 by ddnktr
- 僕たちの話に割り込むなよ。Don't interrupt our conversation.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to interrupt a 話.Tatoeba #82349 by small_snow, translation #321366 by CK
- 彼と会話をするTo have a conversation with him
- 友達と話すTo talk with friends
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are at a cafe discussing their language studies.
- 蓮 Ren日本語の会話は難しいね。Nihongo no kaiwa wa muzukashii ne.Japanese conversation is difficult, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiでも、毎日練習しているよ。Demo, mainichi renshuu shite iru yo.But I am practicing every day.
- 蓮 Ren結衣さんは本当に努力家だね。Yui-san wa hontou ni doryokuka da ne.Yui, you are truly a hard worker.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんにそう言われると嬉しいです。Ren-san ni sou iwareru to ureshii desu.I am happy to hear that from you, Ren.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “conversation” translations and entries 会話, 対話, 話, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
