In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe saying many things or being talkative.
- Combines 'takusan' (a lot) with 'iu' (to say).
- Can imply nagging or simply a high volume of words.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of saying many things or expressing a lot of words. It's what you use when someone is being very talkative or has a long list of things to tell you.
Key Examples
3 of 6Complaining about a talkative boss
Buchou wa kyou mo takusan iimasu.
The department manager is saying a lot again today.
Texting a friend about a date
Kare, kinou wa takusan itta ne!
He really said a lot yesterday, didn't he!
Apologizing for over-explaining
Gomen, takusan iisugita.
Sorry, I said way too much.
Cultural Background
In Japan, 'saying a lot' can be perceived as lack of self-control. There is a cultural value in 'kuuki o yomu' (reading the air) where you shouldn't have to say everything for people to understand you. In a Japanese meeting, the most important person often says the least. If a junior employee 'says a lot,' it might be seen as overstepping unless they are specifically asked for a report. Japanese Twitter is famous for 'threads' where people use 'takusan iu' to bypass the character limit, often starting with 'I have a lot to say about this...' Mothers in anime and real life are often depicted as 'takusan iu' (nagging). This is seen as a form of 'amae' or caring, even if it's annoying to the children.
Use 'Ippai' for friends
If you're with close friends, 'ippai iu' sounds more natural and friendly than 'takusan iu'.
Don't over-complain
In Japan, saying too many complaints (fuman o takusan iu) can quickly damage your reputation.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe saying many things or being talkative.
- Combines 'takusan' (a lot) with 'iu' (to say).
- Can imply nagging or simply a high volume of words.
What It Means
Takusan iu is a simple way to describe high-volume speaking. It focuses on the quantity of words or points being made. Think of it as 'saying a lot' rather than 'having a deep conversation.' It’s about the sheer amount of output from someone's mouth.
How To Use It
You pair the adverb takusan with the verb iu. In casual settings, you use iu. In polite settings, you change it to iimasu. You can use it to describe yourself or someone else. It’s a very flexible, foundational building block for your Japanese.
When To Use It
Use this when your boss gives you ten instructions at once. Use it when you’re telling a friend about a chatty neighbor. It’s perfect for describing a toddler who just learned new words. You might even use it when you're apologizing for talking too much. It fits well in texts, casual chats, and daily observations.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in very formal speeches or ceremonies. In those cases, words like hanasu (to speak) or noberu (to state) are better. Don't use it if you mean 'to have a long discussion.' Takusan iu sounds a bit more like a one-way street of words. If the conversation was a two-way exchange, use takusan hanasu instead.
Cultural Background
In Japan, there is a cultural proverb: 'Silence is gold.' Because of this, saying takusan iu can sometimes carry a tiny hint of 'nagging.' However, it’s not inherently negative. It’s all about your tone of voice and the context. If you say it with a smile, it’s just a neutral observation.
Common Variations
You will often hear the past tense takusan itta. This means 'said a lot.' Another common one is the negative takusan iwanai. This means 'don't say much.' If you want to be extra polite, use takusan iwaremashita. This means 'I was told a lot' (often by a superior).
Usage Notes
This is a very safe, neutral phrase for beginners. Just remember that 'iu' focuses on the words themselves, while 'hanasu' focuses on the act of communication.
Use 'Ippai' for friends
If you're with close friends, 'ippai iu' sounds more natural and friendly than 'takusan iu'.
Don't over-complain
In Japan, saying too many complaints (fuman o takusan iu) can quickly damage your reputation.
Combine with '~tai'
The most useful form for learners is 'Takusan iitai koto ga arimasu' (I have a lot I want to say).
Silence is okay
Remember that in Japan, you don't always need to 'say a lot' to be a good conversationalist.
Examples
6Buchou wa kyou mo takusan iimasu.
The department manager is saying a lot again today.
Using the polite 'iimasu' keeps it professional even if you're slightly annoyed.
Kare, kinou wa takusan itta ne!
He really said a lot yesterday, didn't he!
The past tense 'itta' is used here for a finished event.
Gomen, takusan iisugita.
Sorry, I said way too much.
Adding '-sugita' to the verb means 'did too much.'
Neko ni takusan iimasu ga, mushi saremasu.
I say a lot to my cat, but I get ignored.
A humorous take on one-sided communication.
Suki da to takusan iitai desu.
I want to say 'I love you' many times.
The '-tai' ending expresses a desire to say something.
Sensei wa shukudai ni tsuite takusan iimashita.
The teacher said a lot about the homework.
Focuses on the volume of instructions given.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'takusan iu' (polite past).
{昨日|きのう}、{母|はは}は＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
The sentence starts with 'Kinou' (yesterday), so we need the past tense. 'Iimashita' is the polite past form.
Which sentence means 'I want to say a lot'?
Choose the correct Japanese sentence.
The '~tai' ending expresses desire (wanting to do something).
Complete the dialogue.
A: {彼|かれ}はどうしましたか？ B: {不満|ふまん}を＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
'Itte-imasu' (is saying) describes his current state of complaining.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You said something rude and want to apologize.
'Iisugiru' means to say too much, which is appropriate for an apology.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Iu vs Hanasu
Practice Bank
4 exercises{昨日|きのう}、{母|はは}は＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
The sentence starts with 'Kinou' (yesterday), so we need the past tense. 'Iimashita' is the polite past form.
Choose the correct Japanese sentence.
The '~tai' ending expresses desire (wanting to do something).
A: {彼|かれ}はどうしましたか？ B: {不満|ふまん}を＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
'Itte-imasu' (is saying) describes his current state of complaining.
Situation: You said something rude and want to apologize.
'Iisugiru' means to say too much, which is appropriate for an apology.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsThe phrase itself is neutral. To make it polite, use 'takusan iimasu'.
It's better to use 'ooku o kataru' or 'shirusu' in formal writing.
'Iu' is about the content/words, 'hanasu' is about the act of speaking/conversing.
Use 'takusan iisugimashita'.
Yes, very often! Characters use it when they are emotional or have a long explanation.
Yes, you can say 'takusan kaite-aru' (a lot is written) or 'takusan itte-iru' if referring to the sender's message.
Not directly, but 'uwasa o takusan iu' means to say many rumors.
Usually, yes. The kanji 沢山 is considered a bit old-fashioned or formal.
Yes! 'Kansha o takusan iu' means to say many thanks.
'Amari iwanai' (don't say much) or 'hitokoto mo iwanai' (don't say a single word).
Yes, it means 'a person who says a lot' (a talkative person).
Only if you are saying you have a lot of 'ideas' or 'goals', not complaints.
Related Phrases
{言|い}い{過|す}ぎる
specialized formTo say too much
{多|おお}くを{語|かた}る
similarTo speak much / tell a story
いっぱい{言|い}う
synonymTo say a lot (casual)
よく{喋|しゃべ}る
similarTo talk a lot
{黙|だま}る
contrastTo be silent
{一言|ひとこと}{言|い}う
contrastTo say a word
