Bedeutung
A polite term for a story, conversation, or discussion.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Rakugo is a 400-year-old tradition of comic storytelling. The performer, sitting on a cushion, tells an 'ohanashi' using only a fan and a hand towel as props. Before a formal meeting, Japanese professionals often have 'informal talks' ({お話|おはなし}) to build consensus. This is called 'nemawashi'. Japanese parents place high value on 'yomikikase' (reading aloud). Telling an 'ohanashi' is seen as a vital bonding time and a way to teach morals. Using 'o' creates a 'polite distance'. In Japan, this distance is not cold; it is a form of respect that makes the other person feel comfortable.
The 'O' is a Magic Shield
If you're unsure if a situation is too formal, adding the 'o' to 'hanashi' is almost always the safer bet. It never sounds rude to be too polite in Japan.
Don't Overuse with Friends
Using 'ohanashi' with your best friend might make them think you're mad at them or being sarcastic.
Bedeutung
A polite term for a story, conversation, or discussion.
The 'O' is a Magic Shield
If you're unsure if a situation is too formal, adding the 'o' to 'hanashi' is almost always the safer bet. It never sounds rude to be too polite in Japan.
Don't Overuse with Friends
Using 'ohanashi' with your best friend might make them think you're mad at them or being sarcastic.
Listen for the 'O'
When a Japanese person uses 'ohanashi' instead of 'hanashi', pay attention—the topic is likely more important than usual.
Kanji vs Hiragana
While the kanji is {話}, in children's books, you will almost always see it written entirely in hiragana as おはなし.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct polite form.
{先生|せんせい}と{明日|あした}（ ）をします。
When talking to a teacher, 'ohanashi' is the most appropriate polite noun.
Which sentence means 'I have something to talk to you about' in a polite way?
Choose the best option:
'~ga arimasu' is the standard way to say you have a topic to discuss.
Match the usage of 'ohanashi' to the correct situation.
1. Bedtime story, 2. Business proposal, 3. Thanking a friend for a chat
B refers to reading (story), C refers to bringing a topic (proposal), A refers to a past chat.
Complete the dialogue between a boss and an employee.
Employee: 部長、今（ ）してもよろしいでしょうか？ Boss: はい、いいですよ。
In a formal request to a boss, 'ohanashi' is required for politeness.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Hanashi vs Ohanashi
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgaben{先生|せんせい}と{明日|あした}（ ）をします。
When talking to a teacher, 'ohanashi' is the most appropriate polite noun.
Choose the best option:
'~ga arimasu' is the standard way to say you have a topic to discuss.
1. Bedtime story, 2. Business proposal, 3. Thanking a friend for a chat
B refers to reading (story), C refers to bringing a topic (proposal), A refers to a past chat.
Employee: 部長、今（ ）してもよろしいでしょうか？ Boss: はい、いいですよ。
In a formal request to a boss, 'ohanashi' is required for politeness.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenYes, but usually only if you are being very polite or 'cute'. In business, it's better to use 'watakushi no hanashi' or 'setsumei' (explanation).
No! It is used extensively in business and formal adult social settings to mean 'talk' or 'discussion'.
The 'o' is an honorific prefix. 'Hanashi' is casual; 'ohanashi' is polite and respectful.
Yes, it means 'to have a talk' or 'to tell a story' politely.
Yes, 'ohanashi-chu' means the line is busy or the person is currently talking on the phone.
You can say 'mukashi-banashi' or 'otogi-banashi'. Both are types of 'ohanashi'.
Sometimes, in the context of 'tsukuri-banashi' (a made-up story), it can imply something isn't true.
Absolutely. It's very common in business emails to refer to a previous discussion.
Japanese doesn't have plural forms like English. 'Ohanashi' can mean one story or many stories.
It's a 'storytelling circle' or event, often held at libraries for children.
Writing it as {御話} is very old-fashioned and formal. Hiragana 'o' is standard today.
Yes, referring to a guest speaker's talk as 'o-hanashi' is very respectful.
No. 'Soudan' is specifically for seeking advice. 'Ohanashi' is more general.
Use '{お話|おはなし}をありがとうございました' (Ohanashi wo arigatou gozaimashita).
Verwandte Redewendungen
{昔話|むかしばなし}
specialized formOld tales / Folklore
{話し合い|はなしあい}
builds onDiscussion / Consultation
{会話|かいわ}
similarConversation
{物語|ものがたり}
similarTale / Narrative
{相談|そうだん}
specialized formConsultation / Advice
{雑談|ざつだん}
contrastSmall talk / Idle chatter
