おしゃべり
oshaberi[o̞ɕa̠be̞ɾʲi]
The English phrase 'gab' can be translated into Japanese as おしゃべり (oshaberi).
The term refers to talking or chattering a lot, typically regarding trivial subjects.
Meaning: to talk or chatter a lot, usually on trivial subjects (verb)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
おしゃべり is generally informal and carries a slightly lighthearted or trivial connotation. For a specific informal verb, you can use おしゃべりする (oshaberi suru).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Hokkaido dialect, the casual and colloquial term ちゃっべる (chabberu) is used to express 'to gab'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun おしゃべり can be turned into a verb by adding する, resulting in おしゃべりする. It can also function as a na-adjective by adding な, becoming おしゃべりな (talkative/chatty). Additionally, the expression おしゃべりをする (oshaberi o suru) is similar to おしゃべりする.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as oshaberi.
Did you know?
- The word おしゃべり begins with the honorific prefix お, which is a polite addition used to beautify words. This creates a strange contrast where a word for 'trivial chatter' is dressed up in polite language.
- The verb 喋る (shaberu) is used for humans, but if an animal 'talks' or 'gabs', Japanese speakers often use the word 喋る to imply a supernatural or surreal ability.
- The verb 喋る (shaberu) can be used to describe a person who is 'leaking' a secret, rather than just chatting about trivial things.
Examples in context
- 女性はたいていおしゃべりだ。Women usually have the gift of gab.This sentence is useful for describing someone who has the gift of gab using おしゃべり.Tatoeba #236693 by mookeee, translation #267304 by CM
- 友達とおしゃべりするのが好きですI enjoy chatting with friends.
- 昨日は長いおしゃべりをしたYesterday, we had a long chat.
- 子供たちは公園でおしゃべりしている。Kodomotachi wa kouen de oshaberi shite iru.The children are chatting in the park.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are taking a break at school.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは本当におしゃべりですね。Himari-san wa hontō ni oshaberi desu ne.Himari, you really love to chat, don't you?
- 陽葵 Himariあはは、つい話しすぎちゃうんです。Ahaha, tsui hanashisugichau n desu.Haha, I just end up talking too much.
- 健太 Kentaでも、おしゃべりしていると楽しいですよ。Demo, oshaberi shite iru to tanoshii desu yo.But it's fun when we're chatting.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます、健太さんもそうですよ。Arigatō gozaimasu, Kenta-san mo sō desu yo.Thank you, Kenta, you are too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry おしゃべり, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries おしゃべり, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
