Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Speak" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "speak", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
話します
はなします (hanashimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
話しかける
はなしかける (hanashikakeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "speak" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 話します and 話しかける.
In Japanese, 話します (はなします (hanashimasu)) is typically associated with "to speak, to talk (polite form)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 話す.
On the other hand, 話しかける (はなしかける (hanashikakeru)) maps to "to speak to, to address (someone)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 人に向かって会話を始める、声をかけるという意味合いが強いです。相手に何かを伝えようとするときに使います。. A literal translation of "speak" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "話します"
友達と話します。
I talk with my friends.
Bilingual Context for "話しかける"
知らない人に話しかけるのは、少し勇気がいります。
It takes a little courage to speak to a stranger.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達と ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I talk with my friends.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "話します" fits here because it means "to speak, to talk (polite form)" in the context of: "I talk with my friends.". "話しかける" represents "to speak to, to address (someone)".