What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 日本語が少し話せます breaks down into 日本語 (Japanese language), が (subject marker), 少し (a little) and 話せます (can speak).
Which one should you use?
The phrase 日本語が少し話せます focuses on your ability to speak. If you use the verb わかる (to understand) instead, the phrase focuses on your comprehension. Additionally, replacing the word 少し (a bit) with ちょっと (a little or a bit) makes the expression sound more casual and colloquial.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 日本語が少し話せます is polite and standard, making it suitable for speaking to strangers or acquaintances. For more formal situations, you can use 日本語を少し話せます or 日本語を多少話すことができます to say you can speak Japanese to some extent. For informal settings, you can say 日本語をちょっと話せる or 日本語は少しわかる.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 話せます is the potential form of the verb 話す (to speak), which is used to express the ability to do something.
How do you pronounce it?
nihongo ga sukoshi hanasemasu
Did you know?
- The word ちょっと used in casual versions of this phrase is so common that it often functions as a polite 'no'. In many contexts, saying ちょっと… and trailing off is a socially acceptable way to decline a request without saying 'no' directly.
- If someone praises your skill after you say this phrase, the customary response is to humbly deny the compliment with いいえ rather than saying 'thank you'.
- Even highly advanced speakers may use 日本語が少し話せます to avoid appearing boastful. This use of the phrase is a cultural sign of modesty rather than a literal description of their skill.
Examples in context
- わたしは日本語を少し話せます。I can speak a bit of Japanese.
- 私は多少日本語を話すことができます。I can speak Japanese to some extent.
- 日本語をちょっと話せるよ。I can speak a little bit of Japanese.
- 私はまだちょっとしか日本語を話せません。I can only speak a little bit of Japanese.
- 日本語が少し話せます。Nihongo ga sukoshi hanasemasu.I can speak a little Japanese.
- まだ初心者ですが、日本語が少し話せます。Mada shoshinsha desu ga, Nihongo ga sukoshi hanasemasu.I am still a beginner, but I can speak a little Japanese.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Kenta meet for the first time at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは日本語が話せますか。Hiyori-san wa nihongo ga hanasemasu ka.Hiyori, can you speak Japanese?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、日本語が少し話せます。Hai, nihongo ga sukoshi hanasemasu.Yes, I can speak a bit of Japanese.
- 健太 Kentaすごいですね！どこで勉強しましたか。Sugoi desu ne! Doko de benkyō shimashita ka.That's impressive! Where did you study?
- 陽葵 Himari大学で勉強しました。Daigaku de benkyō shimashita.I studied it at university.
