言う
iu[jɯ̟ː]
To say in Japanese is 言う (iu). If unsure, use 言う. Wiktionary also lists 語る (kataru) and おっしゃる (ossharu).
Meaning: to communicate verbally or in writing (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 言う | iu | [jɯ̟ː] (narrow) [iɯ̟] (narrow) |
|
| 語る | kataru | [ka̠ta̠ɾɯ̟] (narrow) | |
| おっしゃる | ossharu | [o̞ɕːa̠ɾɯ̟] (narrow) | honorific |
The primary way to communicate verbally or in writing is using the verb 言う. When you wish to quote someone's exact words, you can use the particle と to indicate that statement.
Which one should you use?
While 言う is the standard, neutral verb for the act of saying or speaking words, 語る is used for more extended speech, such as telling a story, narrating or recounting details. Other alternatives include 話す (to speak), 教える (to tell) and 答える (to answer).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To show respect when referring to the words of someone of higher status, use the honorific form おっしゃる. For more extended narration, 語る is a neutral option.
How does it change in a sentence?
The negative form of 言う is 言わない (not say / do not say), and the past tense is 言った (said).
How do you pronounce it?
iu
Did you know?
- The honorific verb おっしゃる is actually a linguistic contraction of the phrase おおせある, which combines 'imperial word' and 'to exist'.
- While 言う is the standard verb for 'say', Japanese culture often avoids using it in direct requests to avoid sounding too demanding. Instead, speakers may use indirect phrases that imply something should be said without explicitly using the verb.
- While 言う is the standard way to say something, using 教える (to teach/inform) is often more natural when you are 'telling' someone a piece of information or a fact.
Examples in context
- 何も言うな。Don't say anything.This sentence uses 言う to express a command not to say anything.Tatoeba #3507486 by arnab, translation #1844227 by CK
- もう言うまい。I'll say no more.This sentence uses 言う to express a future intention to say no more.Tatoeba #194215 by small_snow, translation #31387 by CM
- 二度と言うな。Don't say it again.This sentence uses 言う to express a command not to say something again.Tatoeba #10006824 by small_snow, translation #2270533 by CK
- 彼は「こんにちは」と言った。He said, "Hello."
- 彼女は「行こう！」と言った。She said, "Let's go!"
- つい「知らない」と言っちゃった。I accidentally said, "I don't know."
- 「お元気ですか？」と彼は尋ねた。He asked, "How are you?"
- 254 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Himari and Hiroto are discussing a small misunderstanding at school.
- 陽葵 Himari正直に言うべきだと思う。Shojiki ni iu beki da to omou.I think you should say it honestly.
- 大翔 Hirotoでも、何を言うか迷っているんだ。Demo, nani o iu ka mayotte irunda.But I am wondering what to say.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔なら大丈夫だよ。Hiroto nara daijoubu da yo.You will be fine, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう、頑張って言うよ。Arigatou, ganbatte iu yo.Thanks, I will try my best to say it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “say” translations and entries 言う, 語る, おっしゃる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries おっしゃる, 言う, 語る, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
