日本語が話せます
nihongo ga hanasemasu
日本語が話せます (nihongo ga hanasemasu) is the Japanese phrase for "I can speak japanese".
This phrase is used to express that you have the ability to speak the Japanese language. Within the phrase, nihongo means "Japanese" and hanasemasu means "can speak". You can temper your claim of ability to sound more humble or realistic by adding sukoshi (a little) before the verb.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For casual conversation with friends or family, you may use the informal plain form 日本語が話せる.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb hanasemasu is the potential form of the verb hanasu (to speak), which expresses the ability to perform an action. In the context of expressing ability, the particle ga is used after the language to mark the object of ability instead of the particle wo.
How do you pronounce it?
nihongo ga hanasemasu
Did you know?
- The verb stem in hanasemasu comes from hanasu, which shares a linguistic root with the concept of 'spreading' or 'releasing' something. This reflects the idea of letting words flow out from the speaker.
- In formal settings, a Japanese person might respond to your claim of speaking the language by using the word お上手 ('ojōzu'), which literally means 'skillful' but often functions as a polite social lubricant rather than a literal evaluation of your grammar.
- Even fluent speakers often use sukoshi ('a little') when saying 日本語が話せます to avoid appearing arrogant, as modesty is a deeply ingrained cultural value in Japan.
Examples in context
- 私はアメリカ人ですが、少し日本語が話せます。I'm American, but I can speak Japanese a little.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the phrase while mentioning your nationality and adding the word 'a little' to the claim of ability using the form 日本語が話せます.Tatoeba #3605401 by jpshepherd, translation #1193912 by FiRez
- 私は日本語が話せます。I can speak Japanese.
Example conversation
At a language exchange meetup.
- 結衣 Yui健太さんは、日本語が話せますか？Kenta-san wa, Nihongo ga hanasemasu ka?Kenta, can you speak Japanese?
- 健太 Kentaはい、日本語が話せます。Hai, Nihongo ga hanasemasu.Yes, I can speak Japanese.
- 結衣 Yuiすごいですね！Sugoi desu ne!That's amazing!
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
