Translation and Meaning of: 話す - hanasu

The verb 「話す」 (hanasu) is an essential word in the Japanese language, widely used to indicate the act of "speaking" or "conversing." The etymology of the word traces back to basic components of kanji. 「話」 is composed of the radical 「言」 which means "word" or "to say," and the radical 「舌」 which represents "tongue." Together, these elements form the concept of using the tongue to express words, reinforcing the idea of speech or oral communication.

The word has different nuances of use, ranging from informal conversations to more formal speeches. In everyday life, 「話す」 is used to describe the act of effectively verbalizing thoughts or information. It can be conjugated in various ways to indicate different tenses or moods, such as the past tense 「話しました」 (hanashimashita) for "I spoke" or the negative form 「話さない」 (hanasanai) for "I do not speak." This flexibility in conjugation makes the verb extremely versatile in various communicative situations.

Interestingly, the act of speaking in Japanese goes beyond the mere emission of words. It involves many non-verbal aspects, such as intonation and context. 「話す」 also differs from other terms related to communication, such as 「言う」 (iu), which means "to say," emphasizing the person transmitting the message more than the interactive exchange. This subtlety highlights the richness of the Japanese language in capturing distinct nuances of communication.

The origin of 「話す」 is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where efficient and harmonious communication is highly valued. The ability to choose words and express ideas appropriately is an important reflection of one's social status and education. In many cultural traditions, the way you speak – reflected in 「話す」 – can signify a deepening of interpersonal relationships, emphasizing respect and consideration for others.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 語る (kataru) - To tell, report, or narrate something, usually involving a story or experience.
• 言う (iu) - Say or speak, usually used in a more direct and simple way.
• 話し合う (hanashiau) - Discuss together, talking to reach an understanding.
• 伝える (tsutaeru) - Transmit or communicate information, ideas, or feelings to another person.
• 会話する (kaiwa suru) - Engage in a conversation or dialogue.
• 口にする (kuchi ni suru) - To express or pronounce something, often related to eating or talking about something.
• 述べる (noberu) - Declare or expose in words, often in a formal or descriptive context.
• 話し掛ける (hanashikakeru) - Start a conversation with someone, often casually.
• 話し込む (hanashikomu) - Converse deeply or intensely about a specific subject.
• 話し合わせる (hanashiawaseru) - To have two or more people talk or share their ideas, usually in search of consensus.

話す

Romaji: hanasu
Kana: はなす
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: Speak

Meaning in English: to speak

Definition: Use words with your mouth or voice. Exchange opinions and information.

Example Sentences - (話す) hanasu

See below some example sentences:

長々と話すのは疲れる。

Naganaga to hanasu no wa tsukareru

Talking for a long time is tiring.

It's tired to talk for a long time.

• 長々と - adverb meaning "for a long time"
• 話す - verb meaning "to speak"
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 疲れる - verb meaning "to tire"

はきはきと話すことが大切です。

Hakihaki to hanasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to speak clearly and concisely.

It is important to talk to the postcard.

• はきはきと話すこと - means "to speak clearly and with confidence".
• が - a particle that indicates a relationship of contrast or opposition.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - a polite way of saying something in Japanese.

私は日本語を話すことができます。

Watashi wa nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu

I can speak Japanese.

I can speak Japanese.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 日本語 (nihongo) - noun meaning "Japanese" or "Japanese language"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 話す (hanasu) - verb meaning "to talk" or "to converse"
• こと (koto) - noun indicating an abstract action or event
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• できます (dekimasu) - verb meaning "to be able to" or "to be able to"

直接会って話しましょう。

Chokusetsu atte hanashimashou

Let's meet in person and talk.

I see you directly and speak.

• 直接 (chokusetsu) - directly
• 会って (atte) - finding oneself
• 話しましょう (hanashimashou) - let's chat

彼は強気な態度で話した。

Kare wa tsuyoki na taido de hanashita

He spoke with a strong attitude.

He spoke with an upbeat attitude.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 強気 - Japanese adjective meaning "confident" or "bold"
• な - Japanese particle used to modify an adjective
• 態度 - Japanese noun meaning "attitude"
• で - Japanese particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done
• 話した - Japanese verb meaning "spoke" (past tense)

気兼ねなく話してください。

Kigenenaku hanashite kudasai

Please speak without hesitation.

Please speak without hesitation.

• 気兼ね - means "hesitation" or "reservation" in Japanese.
• なく - is a negative particle that means "not to have" or "without".
• 話して - is the verb "speak" in the imperative, which means "speak".
• ください - is a polite form of the verb "give", which is used to make a request or request.

世話をすることは大切です。

Sewa wo suru koto wa taisetsu desu

Taking care of others is important.

It is important to take care of it.

• 世話をする - take care
• こと - thing
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb to be in the present

前置きが長すぎると話が進まない。

Maeoki ga nagasugiru to hanashi ga susumanai

If the intro is too long

If the intro is too long, the story will not proceed.

• 前置き (maezuki) - introduction, preamble
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 長すぎる (nagasugiru) - to be too long
• と (to) - Quote particle
• 話 (hanashi) - conversation, story
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 進まない (susumanai) - not progress, not advance

彼女は云々と話していた。

Kanojo wa unun to hanashiteita

She was talking about it and that.

She was talking.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 云々 (unun) - etc., and so on
• と (to) - Quote particle
• 話していた (hanashiteita) - I was speaking

彼女は私が彼と話しているのを見て妬んでいた。

Kanojo wa watashi ga kare to hanashite iru no o mite yandete ita

She was jealous of me talking to him.

She was jealous to see me talking to him.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 彼 (kare) - he
• と (to) - accompanying particle
• 話している (hanashiteiru) - speaking
• のを (nowo) - object particle
• 見て (mite) - selling
• 妬んでいた (netandeita) - I was jealous