Translation guide
The English verb "speak" covers a wide range of communication acts. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what you are speaking, to whom, and in what context. This guide organizes the most common and useful Japanese expressions by meaning.
General act of speaking, talking, or saying something.
The most common and versatile verb for speaking or talking. It can mean to speak, to talk, or to tell.
彼はゆっくり話した。
He spoke slowly.
日本語を話しますか。
Do you speak Japanese?
Focuses on the content of what is said. Often used for quoting or reporting speech.
彼は「はい」と言った。
He said "yes."
Casual verb for chatting or talking informally. Can imply talking too much or being chatty.
友達としゃべっていた。
I was chatting with a friend.
Ability or act of using a language.
Used with language names. The standard way to say you speak a language.
英語を話せますか。
Can you speak English?
Potential form of しゃべる. Very casual way to say you can speak a language, often implying fluency or ability to chat.
彼はペラペラと日本語を喋れる。
He can speak Japanese fluently.
Speaking in front of an audience, formally.
To give a speech, especially a political or formal one.
大統領が国民に演説した。
The president spoke to the nation.
To give a speech (loanword from English). Common for weddings, ceremonies, etc.
結婚式でスピーチをした。
I gave a speech at the wedding.
To give a lecture or formal talk, often academic or professional.
教授が環境問題について講演した。
The professor spoke on environmental issues.
Voicing your thoughts, especially when it requires courage.
Literally "raise one's voice." Means to speak out or protest.
不正に対して声を上げた。
They spoke out against injustice.
To state one's opinion. Neutral and straightforward.
会議で意見を言った。
I spoke my opinion at the meeting.
To make a statement or remark, often in a formal setting like a meeting.
彼はその問題について発言した。
He spoke on the issue.
Initiating or having a conversation with someone.
To start speaking to someone, to address someone. Implies initiating conversation.
知らない人に話しかけられた。
A stranger spoke to me.
To have a talk or conversation with someone.
先生と話をした。
I spoke with my teacher.
Representing or acting as spokesperson.
To speak for someone else, to represent their views.
彼はグループを代弁して話した。
He spoke on behalf of the group.
To speak as a representative. More literal than 代弁する.
社長が会社を代表して話した。
The president spoke representing the company.
Figurative use: something reveals a lot without words.
Literary verb meaning "to tell a story," but used figuratively to mean "speak volumes" or "indicate clearly."
彼の沈黙がすべてを物語っていた。
His silence spoke volumes.
Hedging or softening a statement.
Adverb meaning "so to speak" or "as it were." Used to qualify a metaphor or unusual expression.
彼は、言わば、この会社の顔だ。
He is, so to speak, the face of this company.
Means "what is called" or "so-called." Similar to 言わば but more common for introducing a term.
While 話す is the most common equivalent, it doesn't fit all contexts. For example, "speak now or forever hold your peace" would not use 話す. Always consider the specific meaning you want to convey.
話す focuses on the act of speaking or conversation, while 言う focuses on the content of what is said. Use 言う when quoting or reporting specific words.
In Japanese, the subject (I, you, he, etc.) is often omitted when clear from context. So "I speak Japanese" is often just 日本語を話します, without 私は.
行動は言葉よりも雄弁である。
Actions speak louder than words.
Proverb; literally "Actions are more eloquent than words."
噂をすれば影がさす。
Speak of the devil!
Equivalent proverb; literally "If you talk about someone, their shadow appears."
彼はいわゆる天才だ。
He is what you'd call a genius.