話す
hanasu[ha̠na̠sɨ]
The English phrase 'to speak' is translated into Japanese as 話す (hanasu).
話す means to communicate information or ideas using spoken words. You can use the particle と after a person to mean 'to speak with' or 'to talk to' (e.g., [Person] と話す), and the particle で after a language to mean 'to speak in' a specific language (e.g., 英語で話す).
Which one should you use?
While 話す refers to the act of speaking or talking, the verb 言う (iu) is used specifically for 'to say' a particular word or phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite form of 話す is 話します. To express the past tense, use 話した (spoke) and to express the negative, use 話さない (do not speak).
How do you pronounce it?
hanasu
Did you know?
- While 話す is a common way to say 'to speak', if you want to say you 'speak' a language fluently, Japanese speakers often use the verb できる, which literally means 'can do'.
- The kanji used in 話す is composed of two parts that suggest a person and a tongue-like or speech-related radical, symbolizing the connection between human thought and vocal output.
- Japanese distinguishes between 話す and しゃべる, where the latter specifically implies chattering, rambling or gossiping.
Examples in context
- 君が話す番だよ。It's your turn to speak.This sentence shows how to use 話す to indicate someone's turn to speak.Tatoeba #8733008 by small_snow, translation #4368256 by AlanF_US
- トムが話す番だよ。It's now Tom's turn to speak.Tatoeba #10569413 by small_snow, translation #9638133 by CK
- 英語で話すのは楽しい。It is fun to speak in English.This sentence demonstrates using the particle で with 話す to mean speaking in a specific language.Tatoeba #189204 by KK_kaku_, translation #26351 by CK
- プレゼンテーションでお話します。I will speak in the presentation.
- 友達と話す。To speak with friends.
- カフェで喋っている。Talking in a cafe.
- 考えを言う。To speak one's thoughts.
- 友達と話しましょうLet's talk with friends.
- 彼女は早口で喋りますShe speaks fast.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are at a cafe discussing a new classmate.
- 陽太 Yota新しいクラスメイトは、ゆっくり話すね。Atarashii kurasumeito wa, yukkuri hanasu ne.The new classmate speaks slowly, doesn't he?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、とても聞き取りやすいよ。Un, totemo kikitoriyasui yo.Yeah, he is very easy to understand.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さんも、もっと話していいんだよ。Misaki-san mo, motto hanashite ii n da yo.You can speak more too, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、頑張ってみるね。Arigato, ganbatte miru ne.Thanks, I'll try my best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 話す, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
