Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 話す | hanasu | [ha̠na̠sɨ] (narrow) |
| しゃべる | shaberu | [ɕa̠be̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
The verb 話す is the standard way to express the act of communicating information, having a discussion or speaking a language, such as 日本語を話す (to speak Japanese). For nouns related to the concept of a conversation, you can use 話し or 会話. If you are in a formal or professional setting and wish to emphasize a structured exchange of ideas or a dialogue, the word 対話 is also appropriate.
Which one should you use?
話す is a neutral, standard verb used for general communication or speaking. In contrast, しゃべる is a more colloquial term that often implies chattering, gossiping or talking aimlessly and excessively. When you want to specifically emphasize the concept of a conversation in a formal way, 会話 is a more precise term than the general verb.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of 話す is 話した, and the negative form is 話さない.
How do you pronounce it?
hanasu
Did you know?
- The colloquial verb しゃべる is thought to be connected to the word for the famous Japanese hotpot dish しゃぶしゃぶ, which mimics the sound of meat being swished in liquid.
- In Japanese culture, silence is often valued more than speech, meaning the absence of 話す can communicate as much as the talking itself.
- The expression べらべら is often used as an adverb with しゃべる to describe someone who speaks a foreign language fluently or talkatively.
Examples in context
- 話す時間ある？Do you have time to talk?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has time for a conversation using 話す.Tatoeba #8665772 by bunbuku, translation #6013563 by CK
- 話すの速いね。You talk fast.This sentence uses 話す to describe the speed of someone's speech.Tatoeba #9529650 by small_snow, translation #3013902 by AlanF_US
- 今はしゃべるな。Don't talk now.This sentence uses しゃべる to tell someone not to talk.Tatoeba #11303556 by small_snow, translation #11303454 by maaster
- 彼と重要な話をしたいです。（かれとじゅうようなはなしをしたいです。）I want to have an important talk with him.
- 客観的な対話をすることが重要です。（きゃっかんてきなたいわをすることがじゅうようです。）It is important to have objective dialogue.
- 友達と楽しく話した。（ともだちとたのしくはなした。）I had a fun talk with my friends.
- 彼女はたくさん喋る。（かのじょはたくさんしゃべる。）She talks a lot.
- カフェで友達とおしゃべりするのが好きです。（かふぇでともだちとおしゃべりするのがすきです。）I enjoy chatting with friends at cafes.
- 67 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daigo and Misaki meet at a cafe.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんとゆっくり話すのが楽しみでした。Misaki-san to yukkuri hanasu no ga tanoshimi deshita.I was looking forward to talking with you, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misaki私も！最近どうしてた？Watashi mo! Saikin dou shiteta?Me too! How have you been lately?
- 大翔 Hirotoいろいろあったよ。全部話すね。Iroiro atta yo. Zenbu hanasu ne.A lot happened. I'll tell you everything.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、聞かせて！Un, kikasete!Yeah, let me hear it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “talk” translations and entries 話す, しゃべる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries しゃべる, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
