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
話し掛ける
はなしかける (hanashikakeru)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "speak" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 話します and 話し掛ける.
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, 話し掛ける (はなしかける (hanashikakeru)) maps to "speak to, accost" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "話し掛ける"
私は話し掛けるに興味があります。
I am interested in speak to, accost.
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.". "話し掛ける" represents "speak to, accost".