Translation guide
The English verb 'say' is used to report speech, express opinions, give examples, and more. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 言う (いう), but the best choice depends on formality, whether you are quoting directly or indirectly, and the specific nuance. This guide covers natural ways to express 'say' in various contexts.
標識に「止まれ」と書いてある。
The sign says 'Stop'.
To report what someone said or thought, using direct or indirect quotation.
The most common and versatile verb for 'say'. Used with the quotative particle と for direct or indirect quotes. In casual speech, って is often used instead of と.
彼は「こんにちは」と言った。
He said, 'Hello.'
彼女は来週来ると言った。
She said she will come next week.
Humble form of 言う. Used when the speaker refers to their own or their in-group's speech in formal situations, showing respect to the listener.
Respectful form of 言う. Used when referring to what a superior, customer, or someone you respect said.
To give one's opinion, state something as true, or make a claim.
Still the default verb for expressing opinions. Often used with 〜と思う (I think that...) or 〜と言える (it can be said that...).
To introduce an example or hypothetical scenario, like 'say you win the lottery'.
To refer to what a sign, book, message, etc. says.
Means 'it is written (that)...'. Used for signs, notes, books, etc. The structure is 〜と書いてある.
看板に「立入禁止」と書いてある。
The sign says 'No Entry'.
To tell someone to do something, as in 'I said to clean your room'.
Pattern for indirect commands: 'tell someone to do something'. Verb in dictionary form or negative form + ように言う.
母は私に部屋を掃除するように言った。
My mother said to clean my room.
To convey something you heard from others without specifying the source.
Hearsay marker. Attach to plain form of verb/adjective. Means 'I heard that...' or 'they say that...'.
明日は雨が降るそうだ。
They say it will rain tomorrow.
Also expresses hearsay or conjecture based on evidence. Slightly less direct than そうだ.
In many cases, English 'say' is part of a fixed phrase or idiom that doesn't use 言う in Japanese. For example, 'that is to say' is つまり or すなわち, not 言うために. 'Say hello' is 挨拶する, not こんにちはと言う. Always consider the natural Japanese expression for the whole idea.
彼に挨拶してください。
Please say hello to him.
言う (いう) focuses on the content of speech, often a specific statement. 話す (はなす) means 'to speak' or 'to talk', focusing on the act of conversation or telling a story. しゃべる means 'to chat' or 'to talk informally', often implying a continuous flow of speech. Use 言う for 'say', 話す for 'talk/speak', and しゃべる for 'chat'.
彼は「はい」と言った。
He said 'yes'.
I am called Tanaka. (lit. I say Tanaka.)
先生がそうおっしゃいました。
The teacher said so.
彼はその映画が面白いと言った。
He said the movie was interesting.
私は彼が正しいと思う。
I would say he is right. (lit. I think he is right.)
A more formal verb meaning 'to state' or 'to express'. Common in written language, speeches, and formal discussions.
彼は会議で意見を述べた。
He stated his opinion at the meeting.
Means 'to talk about' or 'to narrate', often implying a story or detailed account. Can be used for expressing opinions in a narrative style.
彼は自身の経験を語った。
He talked about his own experience.
Means 'for example'. The most direct way to introduce an example.
例えば、宝くじに当たったらどうする？
Say you win the lottery, what would you do?
A pattern meaning 'let's suppose that...'. Attach to a clause in plain form.
彼が来ないとしよう。
Say he doesn't come.
Adverb meaning 'supposing' or 'if'. Used to set up a hypothetical condition.
仮に100万円あったら、何を買う？
Say you had one million yen, what would you buy?
Passive form of 書く, also meaning 'it is written'. Slightly more formal than 書いてある.
この本にはそう書かれている。
It says so in this book.
Means 'to indicate' or 'to show'. Used for data, results, or formal displays.
データは改善を示している。
The data says there is improvement. (lit. The data shows improvement.)
Direct quotation of a command. Use the imperative form or 〜てください inside the quote.
先生は「静かにしなさい」と言った。
The teacher said, 'Be quiet.'
彼は来年結婚するらしい。
They say he's getting married next year.
Passive form meaning 'it is said that...'. Common in formal or written contexts.
日本は安全な国だと言われている。
They say Japan is a safe country.
彼と話した。
I talked with him.
友達としゃべった。
I chatted with my friend.
彼と話した。
I talked with him.
友達としゃべった。
I chatted with my friend.