In Japanese, expressing the phrase “I heard it was” can be useful in casual conversations to indicate that you have received information or rumors regarding something. Whether you need to communicate in a formal or informal setting, this guide will introduce you to various ways to convey this phrase in the Japanese language. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “I Heard It Was”
When you want to express “I heard it was” more formally, you can use the following phrases:
1. 〜と聞きました (~to kikimashita)
This phrase is a polite way to say “I heard it was.” It is formed by conjugating the verb 聞く (kiku) meaning “to hear” into the past tense form and adding the particle と (to) to emphasize the source of the information. Here’s an example:
彼女はパーティーに行ったと聞きました。
Kanojo wa paatii ni itta to kikimashita.
I heard that she went to the party.
2. 〜という話 (~to iu hanashi)
This phrase translates to “I heard the story that” and is a polite way to quote rumors or hearsay. It often follows the information you have heard. For example:
明日雨が降るという話を聞きました。
Ashita ame ga furu to iu hanashi o kikimashita.
I heard the story that it’s going to rain tomorrow.
Informal Ways to Say “I Heard It Was”
If you wish to express “I heard it was” more casually, you can utilize these informal expressions:
1. 〜って聞いた (~tte kiita)
In informal conversations, って (tte) is a common contraction of と (to) that is frequently used. You can attach it to the verb 聞く (ki(ku)) meaning “to hear” to informally say “I heard it was.” For example:
あの映画はすごく面白いって聞いた。
Ano eiga wa sugoku omoshiroi tte kiita.
I heard that movie is really interesting.
2. 〜っていう話 (~tte iu hanashi)
A more colloquial form of という話 (to iu hanashi) mentioned earlier, this phrase is commonly used in informal speech. It conveys the meaning of “the story goes that.” Here’s an example:
彼はすごく運がいいっていう話を聞いたよ。
Kare wa sugoku un ga ii tte iu hanashi o kiita yo.
I heard the story that he has really good luck.
Some Additional Tips
When using these phrases, it’s essential to consider the context and your relationship with the listener. Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:
1. Be Mindful of Formality
Formal settings, such as business or official environments, require more polite language. Make sure to opt for the formal expressions covered earlier if needed.
2. Pay Attention to Verb Forms
When forming sentences, adjust the verb tense and politeness level accordingly. The past tense form (聞きました / きいました) is used for formal situations, while the informal present tense form (聞いた / きいた) works in casual conversations.
3. Vary Vocabulary
Remember that you can replace “it” with the specific subject you are discussing. Additionally, feel free to adapt the vocabulary within the sentence to suit your topic and personal style.
In Summary
In Japanese, expressing “I heard it was” can be done formally using phrases like 〜と聞きました (~to kikimashita) or 〜という話 (~to iu hanashi) when sharing information or rumors. In informal settings, using 〜って聞いた (~tte kiita) or 〜っていう話 (~tte iu hanashi) can help you express the same meaning more casually. Remember to adjust your speech to reflect the level of formality required and, most importantly, enjoy practicing your Japanese conversation skills!
