Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Speak" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "speak", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
話す
はなす (hanasu)
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 話す and 話しかける.
In Japanese, 話す (はなす (hanasu)) is typically associated with "to speak, to talk" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for verbal communication. Polite form is 話します.
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 "話す"
友達と日本語を話します。
I speak Japanese with my friend.
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: "友達と日本語を話します。" (Meaning: "I speak Japanese with my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "話す" fits here because it means "to speak, to talk" in the context of: "I speak Japanese with my friend.". "話しかける" represents "to speak to, to address (someone)".