話す

はなす
Alternative writings: 咄す
JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

To talk or converse; to speak aloud in conversation.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

毎朝、友達と電話で話すのが日課です。

I call and talk with a friend every morning as a routine.

昨日、久しぶりに友達とカフェでゆっくり話した。

Yesterday I chatted leisurely with a friend at a café for the first time in a while.

彼女は人前で話すのが苦手だ。

She is not good at speaking in front of people.

子どもが親に何でも話してくれると安心する。

It's reassuring when children tell their parents everything.

2

To tell, explain, narrate, or describe; to convey information or an account.

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

事故の状況を警察に詳しく話した。

I told the police the details of the accident.

上司に計画の内容を話して承認を得た。

I explained the plan to my boss and got approval.

祖父は戦時中の体験をよく話してくれた。

My grandfather often told us about his wartime experiences.

3

To speak a language (i.e., to be able to use a particular language verbally).

U-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

彼は英語を流暢に話す。

He speaks English fluently.

子どもはまだ上手に日本語を話せない。

The child still can't speak Japanese well.

彼女は三か国語を話すので仕事で重宝されている。

She speaks three languages, so she is valuable at work.

Word Relationships

Antonym
Derivations
Masu-Form話します
Nai-Form話さない
Ta-Form話した
Te-Form話して
Ba-Form話せば
Volitional Form話そう
Imperative Form話せ
Potential Form話せる
Passive Form話される
Causative Form話させる
Causative Passive Form話させられる