What are some alternative expressions for "speak" in Japanese? In Japanese, you need to use different words depending on the situation: when "speaking" with close friends or family, or when "speaking" with superiors. Learn to use expressions appropriate for the person you're speaking with and the place you're speaking.
1.say (iu)
"Iu" is an alternative expression for "speak" that can be used in any situation. "Iu" is often used when you want to talk about "longer, more coherent content," while "iu" is used when you want to talk about "slightly shorter content." Also, "iu" often means "an exchange of words between two or more people," while "iu" has a stronger meaning of "conveying words unilaterally."
Example sentences
You told me you loved me.
Anata wa watashi ni aishite iru to itta.
You said to me that you loved me.
Example sentences
She often talks to herself.
Kanojo wa yoku hitorigoto wo iu.
She often says something to herself.
2.Shaberu (to speak)
"Shaberu" is a casual way of saying "hanasu" (to speak). It is used in everyday conversations with friends, family, and people you are very close to. Compared to "hanasu" (to speak), it is used in situations where you need to talk for a longer period of time or in greater volume. Because it is a casual expression, it is unlikely to be used when having a serious discussion at work or when speaking to your boss.
Example sentences
I spoke to my mother on the phone for three hours today.
Kyō, watashi wa haha to denwa de 3-jikan shabetta.
Today I talked to my mother on the phone for 3 hours.
Example sentences
She talks all the time.
Kanojo wa zutto shabette iru.
She is talking all the time.
Example sentences
That person is still talking.
Ano hito wa mada shabette iru.
That person is still talking.
"Shaberu" can also have a negative meaning, such as "talking too much" or "talking too long and annoying the other person." Be careful how you use it.
3.Ossharu (to say)
"Ossharu" is a respectful form of the Japanese word "say." Honorific language is an expression used when speaking to older people or superiors, and by using it you can show respect to the other person. When speaking to someone who is older or has a higher position, such as a teacher or senior at school, or a boss or company president, you should use "ossharu."
Example sentences
I think what the president is saying is excellent.
Shachō ga ossharu koto wa subarashī to omoimasu.
I think it's wonderful that the president says.
Example sentences
What the teacher says is always right.
Sensei ga ossharu koto wa itsumo tadashī.
What the teacher says is always correct.
Example sentences
You are absolutely right. We are very sorry.
Okyakusama no ossharu tori de gozaimasu. Taihen mōshiwakegozaimasen.
You are right. I am very sorry.
Example sentences
You're right, manager.
Buchō no ossharu tori desu.
That's exactly what the director said.
"Osharu" is also often used in the form "Osharu tori." It is an expression that is particularly used in business situations when talking with customers or dealing with complaints. Remembering this expression will broaden your range of expression.
4.To speak
"Hatsugen suru" is an expression that is often used in situations where you are speaking about your opinions, thoughts, or policies in front of a large group of people. It is used in school debates, in business meetings, and in politics in parliaments. It is also characterized by its stronger meaning of "appealing" rather than just talking about what you want to say.
Example sentences
I was the first to speak at today's meeting.
Watashi wa kyō no kaigi de saisho ni hatsugen shita.
I made the first statement at today's meeting.
Example sentences
The governor spoke at the assembly.
Chiji ga gikai de hatsugen shita.
The governor spoke in parliament.
5.I say (mōshiageru)
"Moshiageru" is a humble form of "to say." Humble language is a form of honorific language that elevates and respects the other person by describing oneself in a humble manner. When using humble language like "Moshiageru," you are making yourself the subject. This expression is used in a variety of situations, including business conversations, emails, and letters.
Various expressions can be replaced with humble language. For example, saying "Thank you (arigatōgozaimasu)" as "I'm grateful (kansha mōshiagemasu)" will give the other person a polite impression. Saying "I'm sorry (gomen'nasai)" as "I apologize (owabi mōshiagemasu)" will convey to the other person that you are sincerely apologizing.
Example sentences
I'll give you my opinion.
Watashi no iken wo mōshiagemasu.
I would like to give my opinion.
Example sentences
We sincerely apologize for causing concern to everyone.
Minasama ni go shinpai wo okake shimashita koto wo kokorokara owabi mōshiagemasu.
We sincerely apologize for causing concern to all of you.
Example sentences
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your support.
Minasama no go shien kokoroyori kansha mōshiagemasu.
We would like to thank all of you for your support.
An expression similar to "moshiageru" is "moshisu," which is also often used in business situations. It is especially often used when introducing yourself to someone you are meeting for the first time.
Example sentences
Nice to meet you. My name is Yamada from Company A.
Hajimemashite. A-sha no Yamada to mōshimasu.
Nice to meet you. My name is Yamada from Company A.
6.To speak (kataru)
"Katara" (to speak) is a word often used when talking about special feelings or past events in order. In everyday conversation, it is often used when talking about memories or fascinating events. It is also used by politicians and athletes when talking about strong feelings or moving events in television interviews.
Example sentences
My grandmother shared fond memories of her childhood.
Sobo wa kodomo no koro no natsukashī omoide wo katatta.
My grandmother shared her nostalgic memories of her childhood.
Example sentences
He spoke passionately about the appeal of Japanese cuisine.
Kare wa nihonryōri no miryoku wo atsuku katatta.
He enthusiastically talked about the charm of Japanese cuisine.
Example sentences
She was selected as an Olympic athlete and expressed her joy in an interview.
Kanojo wa orinpikku no daihyō senshu ni erabareta. Yorokobi wo intabyū de katatta.
She was selected to represent the Olympics. She talked about her joy in an interview.
There are many alternative expressions for "speak" in Japanese. In fact, there are many other words that can be used in many different ways, just like "speak." Why not study Japanese more and become able to use a variety of Japanese expressions?
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