Learning how to say “run” in Japanese is essential, whether you’re an aspiring traveler, a Japanese language enthusiast, or simply curious about different languages. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express the concept of “run” in Japanese, and provide various tips and examples to help you use the term accurately. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Run” in Japanese
When expressing the action of “running” in a formal setting, such as speaking to your superiors, teachers, or anyone you want to show respect to, you can use the verb “hashiru” (走る). Here’s an example:
“Hashiru” (Formal): 走る
It’s important to note that “hashiru” is the dictionary form of the verb. If you want to use it in a formal context, it’s commonly conjugated to the polite form “hashirimasu.” For instance:
“Hashiru” (Formal Polite): 走ります
To create a longer and more polite sentence, you can combine the verb “hashiru” with specific particles or adverbs. Here are a few examples:
- “I will run tomorrow.” – 明日、走ります。
- “Please run quickly!” – 速く走ってください！
- “He ran a marathon.” – 彼はマラソンを走りました。
2. Informal Ways to Say “Run” in Japanese
In casual conversations, when speaking with friends, family, or peers, using the plain form of verbs is more suitable. Thus, the informal way to say “run” in Japanese is “hashiru” in its plain form. Here’s an example:
“Hashiru” (Informal): 走る
When you want to make it sound even more casual or colloquial, you can contract the verb “hashiru” to “hashire.” This form is commonly used among friends or in informal situations. For example:
“Hashire” (Informal Contracted): 走れ
Similar to the formal form, you can combine the plain form of “hashiru” with other words to create various sentences. Here are a few examples:
- “Let’s run together.” – 一緒に走ろう。
- “I ran in the park.” – 公園で走ったよ。
- “I can’t run anymore.” – もう走れないよ。
3. Regional Variations
While the basic terms for “run” remain the same across Japan, some regional variations exist. These variations might alter the pronunciation and intonation but don’t typically affect the meaning of the word. It’s always fun to explore these differences when you encounter them. However, for most practical purposes, focusing on the standard Japanese vocabulary will suffice.
4. Tips for Pronunciation
Pronouncing words accurately is vital when learning any language. To pronounce “hashiru” correctly, follow these tips:
- Ensure that each syllable is crisp and clear: ha-shi-ru.
- Pay attention to the length of each sound, given that Japanese has short and long vowel sounds.
- Practice gradually increasing your speed while maintaining clarity of articulation.
5. Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say “run” in Japanese formally and informally. Remember to use “hashiru” in formal situations and “hashiru” or “hashire” in informal settings. By practicing different sentence constructions and variations, you’ll become more comfortable using the term “run” in appropriate contexts. Enjoy your language journey and keep exploring the rich world of the Japanese language!
