15초 만에
- Standard way to express thoughts or opinions in any setting.
- Combines 'opinion' (iken) and 'to say' (iu) with a particle.
- Used in meetings, with friends, or during school discussions.
뜻
This phrase is the standard way to say you are sharing your thoughts or voicing your perspective on something. It is like telling a friend exactly what you think about a new movie or a work project.
주요 예문
3 / 6In a business meeting
会議で自分の意見を言いました。
I expressed my opinion at the meeting.
Talking to a shy friend
恥ずかしがらずに意見を言ってね。
Don't be shy, please say what you think.
Texting a group chat about dinner
みんなも意見を言ってほしいな。
I want everyone to give their opinion.
문화적 배경
In Japanese culture, voicing an opinion is often balanced with 'Wa' (harmony). While 'iken o iu' is common, speakers often use softeners like 'to omoimasu' (I think) to avoid sounding too bossy. It reflects the social importance of considering the group's feelings while contributing.
Soften the Blow
In Japan, ending your opinion with '〜と思います' (I think) makes you sound much more polite and less aggressive.
Don't confuse with 'Monku'
If you are complaining, use '文句を言う'. Using '意見を言う' for a complaint might sound like you think your whining is a professional critique!
15초 만에
- Standard way to express thoughts or opinions in any setting.
- Combines 'opinion' (iken) and 'to say' (iu) with a particle.
- Used in meetings, with friends, or during school discussions.
What It Means
意見を言う is the bread and butter of communication. It simply means to voice your opinion. You use it when you want to contribute a thought. It is not aggressive or overly formal. It is just the act of speaking your mind. Think of it as opening your mental toolbox. You are showing others what is inside.
How To Use It
You use the noun 意見 (iken) which means opinion. Then you add the particle を (o). Finally, you use the verb 言う (iu) for say. You can change the verb to 言います (iimasu) for politeness. If you want to say 'I want to express my opinion,' use 意見を言いたいです. It is a very flexible building block for sentences.
When To Use It
Use this in a business meeting when the boss asks for ideas. Use it with your friends when deciding where to go for dinner. It is perfect for school discussions or writing essays. If you are texting a friend about a problem, this works too. It is a safe, all-purpose phrase for any situation where thoughts are shared.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this if you are in a super-formal ceremony like a wedding speech. In those cases, use 意見を述べる (iken o noberu) instead. Also, do not use it if you are just 'complaining' or 'venting.' There are specific words for that like 文句を言う (monku o iu). If you are just chatting about the weather, it might feel too heavy. Keep it for when you actually have a specific point to make.
Cultural Background
In Japan, there is a concept called 空気を読む (kuuki o yomu) or 'reading the air.' Expressing an opinion can sometimes feel like breaking the harmony. Because of this, people often soften their 意見. They might start with 'I might be wrong, but...' This phrase is the gateway to that social dance. It is about finding the balance between being honest and being polite. It is a sign of maturity to know when to speak up.
Common Variations
You will often see はっきりと意見を言う which means to speak clearly. Another common one is 自分の意見を言う to emphasize it is *your* own thought. If someone is shy, you might say 意見を言ってください to encourage them. In formal writing, you will see 意見を述べる. In casual slang, people might just say 言う if the context is clear. It is a very sturdy phrase that does not break easily.
사용 참고사항
This phrase is safe for 90% of situations. Just remember to use 'iimasu' for people you aren't close with. If you want to sound extra smart in an essay, swap 'iu' for 'noberu'.
Soften the Blow
In Japan, ending your opinion with '〜と思います' (I think) makes you sound much more polite and less aggressive.
Don't confuse with 'Monku'
If you are complaining, use '文句を言う'. Using '意見を言う' for a complaint might sound like you think your whining is a professional critique!
The Silence Rule
Sometimes, not saying an opinion is considered an opinion itself. But as a learner, people usually appreciate you speaking up!
예시
6会議で自分の意見を言いました。
I expressed my opinion at the meeting.
A standard professional use of the phrase.
恥ずかしがらずに意見を言ってね。
Don't be shy, please say what you think.
Encouraging someone to speak up.
みんなも意見を言ってほしいな。
I want everyone to give their opinion.
Using 'hoshii' to ask for input casually.
猫に意見を言ったけど、無視されたよ。
I gave my opinion to the cat, but I was ignored.
Humorously applying a human phrase to an animal.
やっと本当の意見を言うことができた。
I was finally able to say what I really thought.
Expressing relief after sharing deep feelings.
この映画について意見を言ってもいい？
Is it okay if I give my opinion on this movie?
Politely asking permission to share a thought.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank to say 'Please say your opinion.'
あなたの___を言ってください。
The word for opinion is '意見' (iken). '言葉' means words and '秘密' means secret.
Choose the correct particle to complete the phrase.
意見___言う。
The object marker 'を' is used because the opinion is the thing being said.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality Levels of Expressing Opinions
Talking with close friends
意見を言うよ
Standard daily interaction
意見を言います
Business presentations or speeches
意見を述べます
When to say '意見を言う'
Work Meeting
Sharing a new project idea.
With Friends
Choosing which movie to watch.
At School
Participating in a classroom debate.
Online Review
Writing what you think of a product.
연습 문제 은행
2 연습 문제あなたの___を言ってください。
The word for opinion is '意見' (iken). '言葉' means words and '秘密' means secret.
意見___言う。
The object marker 'を' is used because the opinion is the thing being said.
🎉 점수: /2
자주 묻는 질문
12 질문Yes, if you use the polite form 意見を言います. However, in very formal meetings, 意見を述べます is better.
Absolutely. It works for both speaking and writing when you want to state your thoughts.
意見 is a formal opinion or stance. 考え (kangae) is more like your general thoughts or ideas.
You can say 意見はありません (Iken wa arimasen). It is a clear way to pass the turn.
It can be a bit direct. Use 意見を聞かせてください (Please let me hear your opinion) to be more polite.
No, it is neutral. It just means sharing a thought, whether everyone agrees or not.
Yes, it is very common in texts. For example: あとで意見を言うね (I'll give my opinion later).
Usually を (o) because the opinion is the object of the action 'saying'.
Yes, often when a character is standing up for themselves or debating a plan.
Not exactly. For advice, use アドバイスをする or 助言する. 意見 is specifically about your viewpoint.
You can add 強い (tsuyoi) to get 強い意見を言う.
Not really a slang version, but in casual speech, the を is often dropped: 意見言うね.
관련 표현
意見を述べる
To state an opinion (formal)
考えを伝える
To convey one's thoughts
反対意見
Opposing opinion
賛成する
To agree
口を出す
To butt in / interrupt with an opinion
