Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Speak" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "speak", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
はなす
はなす (hanasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
発言する
はつげんする (hatsugen suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "speak" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between はなす and 発言する.
In Japanese, はなす (はなす (hanasu)) is typically associated with "to speak, to talk" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for general conversation. The polite form is 話します.
On the other hand, 発言する (はつげんする (hatsugen suru)) maps to "to speak; to make a statement; to comment" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to making a statement or expressing an opinion, especially in a formal setting like a meeting, debate, or public forum. It implies a deliberate act of speaking.. A literal translation of "speak" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "はなす"
日本語を話しますか？
Do you speak Japanese?
Bilingual Context for "発言する"
会議で自分の意見を発言した。
I expressed my opinion at the meeting.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "日本語を話しますか？" (Meaning: "Do you speak Japanese?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "はなす" fits here because it means "to speak, to talk" in the context of: "Do you speak Japanese?". "発言する" represents "to speak; to make a statement; to comment".