It is the fundamental verb used to convey messages or engage in conversation with others.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to express thoughts or information verbally.
- Essential verb for daily communication.
- Can also refer to language proficiency.
Overview
- 1概要：「話します」は、動詞「話す」の丁寧語です。口頭で言語を用いてコミュニケーションをとる、あるいは物語や事実を伝えるという能動的な動作を指します。日本語学習において最も基本的かつ重要な動詞の一つです。2) 使用パターン：基本的には「人＋と＋話します」で相手との対話を、「言葉＋で＋話します」で手段を、「内容＋を＋話します」でトピックを表します。意志を持って情報を伝達する際に使用されます。3) 一般的な文脈：友人との日常会話、職場での報告、電話でのやり取りなど、あらゆる場面で登場します。また、特定の言語を話す能力（英語を話します）についても使われます。4) 類語との比較：「言う」は事実や意見を端的に述べることに焦点があるのに対し、「話す」は相手とのやり取りや、ある程度の長さがある内容を伝えることに重点があります。「語る」は物語や経験を詳しく伝えるという少し硬いニュアンスを持ちます。
Examples
友達と電話で話します。
everydayI talk to my friend on the phone.
先生に相談を話しました。
formalI spoke to the teacher about my consultation.
もっとゆっくり話してください。
informalPlease speak more slowly.
研究の結果について話します。
academicI will talk about the research results.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
少し話せます
I can speak a little.
後で話しましょう
Let's talk later.
話を聞く
To listen to someone.
Often Confused With
Use 'iu' for short statements, quotes, or naming things. 'Hanasu' implies a longer duration or a two-way interaction.
This implies chatting or casual, continuous talking. It is more informal than 'hanasu'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'hanashimasu' in polite contexts when dealing with strangers or colleagues. For casual settings with friends, the dictionary form 'hanasu' is preferred. Always be mindful of the particle 'to' for the person and 'o' for the object.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use 'ni' instead of 'to' when talking with someone. Also, confusing 'hanasu' with 'iu' is common; remember that 'hanasu' is for the act of conversation itself.
Tips
Focus on the particles
Remember that 'to' is used for the person you speak with, while 'o' is used for the content of the speech.
Don't confuse with 'iu'
While they overlap, use 'iu' for short quotes and 'hanasu' for longer, interactive conversations.
Politeness in speech
Using 'hanashimasu' is essential when speaking to superiors or strangers to maintain social harmony.
Word Origin
Derived from ancient Japanese 'hanashi', referring to a story or conversation. It has evolved into the standard verb for speech.
Cultural Context
In Japan, speaking is often seen as a way to maintain harmony. Being able to choose the right register when speaking is a key cultural skill.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Hana' (flower) and 'su' (do). Imagine a flower blooming as you 'speak' words of joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「言う」は短い言葉や事実を伝える時に使い、「話す」は相手と会話を続けたり、まとまった内容を伝えたりする時に使います。
いいえ、これは現在形（または未来形）の丁寧語です。過去形は「話しました」となります。
辞書形は「話す」です。否定形は「話しません」、て形は「話して」、可能形は「話せます」となります。
はい、非常に自然です。電話という手段を使ってコミュニケーションをとることを表します。
Test Yourself
友達 ___ 話します。
「〜と話す」で「〜と会話をする」という意味になります。
私は日本語を＿＿＿＿。
丁寧語の形は「話します」です。
[先生 / と / 話します / 私は]
主語＋相手＋動詞の語順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
It is the fundamental verb used to convey messages or engage in conversation with others.
- Used to express thoughts or information verbally.
- Essential verb for daily communication.
- Can also refer to language proficiency.
Focus on the particles
Remember that 'to' is used for the person you speak with, while 'o' is used for the content of the speech.
Don't confuse with 'iu'
While they overlap, use 'iu' for short quotes and 'hanasu' for longer, interactive conversations.
Politeness in speech
Using 'hanashimasu' is essential when speaking to superiors or strangers to maintain social harmony.
Examples
4 of 4友達と電話で話します。
I talk to my friend on the phone.
先生に相談を話しました。
I spoke to the teacher about my consultation.
もっとゆっくり話してください。
Please speak more slowly.
研究の結果について話します。
I will talk about the research results.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More communication words
について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
