Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 話題 | wadai | [β̞a̠da̠i] (narrow) |
| テーマ | tēma | [te̞ːma̠] (narrow) |
| トピック | topikku | [to̞pʲik̚kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 主題 | shudai | [ɕɨda̠i] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the word used for topic depends on whether you are talking about a subject of conversation, a central theme of a work or a formal subject. 話題 refers to a subject being discussed in a social setting or a topic of conversation. The phrase 話題になる is an idiom meaning to become a topic of conversation, used when something is a trending subject or a hot topic. テーマ refers to a central theme or the subject of a creative work like a movie or book. トピック is a loanword used in technical, journalistic or specific structured contexts. 主題 refers to a main subject or central theme, typically in a more formal or academic sense.
Which one should you use?
話題 is used for conversational topics, whereas テーマ is used for a central thematic topic of a creative or academic work. 主題 is a more formal and academic term for a main subject or theme. トピック is a loanword from English used in specific structured or technical environments.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "about [a topic]" in Japanese, you can use the phrase について.
How do you pronounce it?
wadai
Did you know?
- The word テーマ actually entered the Japanese language via German, coming from the word Thema, which is why it feels slightly more formal or artistic than a simple English loanword.
- When changing the 話題 in a group, it is common to use a filler word or a polite cushion phrase to avoid appearing abrupt.
- The term 主題 is often used in musical contexts to describe a 'leitmotif' or the primary melodic theme of a composition.
Examples in context
- 話題変えよう。Let's change the topic.This sentence is useful for suggesting a change in the subject of conversation using 話題.Tatoeba #3717895 by tommy_san, translation #2944128 by CK
- 卒論のテーマ決まった？Have you decided on your dissertation topic?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has decided on a dissertation テーマ.Tatoeba #4757215 by tommy_san, translation #4764891 by Stalwartlover
- 今週の話題は地球温暖化です。Our topic for this week is global warming.This sentence is useful for stating that the current 話題 is global warming.Tatoeba #9673054 by small_snow, translation #9602023 by CK
- テーマは何ですか？What is the topic?
- 今日の主題は何ですか？What is today's topic?
- 最近の話題は何？What's the recent topic?
- 今日のトピックは何？What's today's topic?
- その本について話しましょう。Let's talk about that book.
- この映画について、どう思う？What do you think about this movie?
- あなたの好きな話題は何ですか？What is your favorite topic?
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are chatting at a cafe.
- 陽太 Yota最近、何かいい話題はある？Saikin, nanika ii wadai wa aru?Do you have any good topics to talk about lately?
- 美咲 Misaki新しい映画の話はどうかな。Atarashii eiga no hanashi wa dou kana.How about talking about the new movie?
- 陽太 Yotaそれはいい話題だね。Sore wa ii wadai da ne.That is a good topic.
- 美咲 Misakiじゃあ、詳しく教えるね。Jaa, kuwashiku oshieru ne.Then, I'll tell you more about it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “topic” translations and entries 話題, テーマ, トピック, 主題, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries テーマ, トピック, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
