Learning how to say “read” in Japanese is an essential step for anyone diving into the world of Japanese language and culture. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this word, focusing on standard Japanese while mentioning regional variations sparingly. Along the way, we’ll provide you with tips, examples, and essential information to master this term. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Informal Ways to Say “Read” in Japanese
When it comes to informal speech, Japanese offers a range of expressions to convey the act of reading. Below, you’ll find some commonly used terms:
- Yomu (よむ) – This is the most versatile and general way to say “read” in Japanese. It covers a broad range of reading activities, including books, magazines, and articles.
- Miru (みる) – While primarily meaning “to see” or “to watch,” miru can also be used informally to indicate reading, particularly when referring to things like manga or visually oriented content.
- Akuru (あくる) – This informal and somewhat colloquial term is commonly used by young people to express reading, particularly novels or fictional works.
Formal Ways to Say “Read” in Japanese
If you are in a formal setting or writing a respectful text, you would want to use the following expressions:
- Oyomu (およむ) – When speaking or writing formally, oyomu is the appropriate term to use for “read.” It shows respect and is often used to refer to reading textbooks, newspapers, or scholarly works.
- Dokusho suru (どくしょする) – Another formal expression, dokusho suru means “to engage in reading” and is typically used in formal contexts or written materials.
Examples of “Read” in Context
To help deepen your understanding, let’s look at some examples that illustrate how these expressions can be used:
Informal:
1. 学校の本を読むつもりだ。
Gakkou no hon o yomu tsumori da.
I plan to read the school book.
2. 漫画を見ているつもりだけど、実は読んでいるだけだ。
Manga o mite iru tsumori dakedo, jitsu wa yonde iru dake da.
I pretend to look at the manga, but I’m actually just reading it.
3. 最近小説を読んでいないな。
Saikin shousetsu o yonde inai na.
I haven’t been reading novels lately.
Formal:
1. 昨日、新聞をお読みになりましたか。
Kinou, shinbun o oyomi ni narimashita ka.
Did you read the newspaper yesterday? (respectful)
2. 詩集の一篇を熟読する必要があります。
Shishuu no ippen o jukudoku suru hitsuyou ga arimasu.
There is a need to thoroughly read one poem from the poetry collection. (formal)
Key Tips for Using “Read” in Japanese
Here are some additional tips to help you understand and use “read” in Japanese effectively:
- When speaking casually, remember that yomu and miru are the go-to expressions for “read.”
- Take into account the context and adjust your choice of the word accordingly.
- If in doubt, it is generally better to use yomu rather than risking using a term that might be too informal for the situation.
- Pay attention to the verb conjugation based on the tense or formality required by the context.
Remember, like any language, Japanese usage can vary depending on regional dialects or individual preferences. However, the expressions covered in this guide are widely used in standard Japanese and will serve as a solid foundation.
Now armed with the knowledge of various ways to say “read” in Japanese—both formally and informally—it’s time to put these expressions into practice. The more you encounter and use these words, the more natural they will become to you. Happy reading, or rather, yomu, as you delve further into the captivating language of Japanese!
