What is the difference between "話す" and "はなす"?

"話す" means "to speak, to talk" (N5), whereas "はなす" represents "to speak, to talk" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "はなす (hanasu)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

はなす (hanasu)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

はなす (hanasu)

N5 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "はなす (hanasu)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

話す (Level: N5): Translates to "to speak, to talk" and is used when Used for verbal communication. Polite form is 話します.
はなす (Level: N5): Maps to "to speak, to talk" and carries the nuance of Used for general conversation. The polite form is 話します.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "話す"

友達と日本語を話します。

I speak Japanese with my friend.

Bilingual Context for "はなす"

日本語を話しますか？

Do you speak Japanese?

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "友達と日本語を話します。" (Meaning: "I speak Japanese with my friend.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "話す" is used for "to speak, to talk" in the context: "I speak Japanese with my friend.".