Hanasu Meaning — What Does 話す Mean in Japanese?

話す

はなす

hanasu

= to speak / to talk / to tell

N3Verb

Quick Reference

🔤 Reading	はなす　（hanasu）
📊 JLPT Level	N3
🔖 Part of Speech	Verb
💬 Meaning	to speak / to talk / to tell

Meaning & Definition

Hanasu (話す) means ‘to speak’ or ‘to talk’ and is central to Japanese communication. Whether having a casual conversation, giving a speech, or telling a story, hanasu is the verb describing verbal expression. It’s essential for anyone wanting to actually communicate in Japanese.

Hanasu is a regular u-verb meaning to speak, talk, or communicate verbally. It covers all forms of speech: hanashite iru (is speaking/talking), hanashita (spoke/told), and hanasu koto ga dekiru (can speak). The verb works with direct objects—kare to hanasu (speak with him), nihongo wo hanasu (speak Japanese), or hanashikakeru (to start speaking to someone). Hanasu also means ‘to tell’ or ‘to inform’: nani ka hanashite kudasai (please tell me something). In compound forms, hanasu creates expressions like hanashi-aesou (seems like they’ll have a conversation) or hanasi-kakaю (attempt conversation). The verb is fundamental to Japanese interaction.

How to Use It

Hanasu is a u-verb, so conjugations work like aruku and nomu: hanas-anai, hanas-ita, hanas-ou. Context matters: hanasu can mean ‘to speak’ (active speaking), ‘to tell’ (sharing information), or ‘to talk about’ (topic-focused). Common phrases: nihongo wo hanasu (speak Japanese), eigo wo hanasu (speak English), mondai ni tsuite hanasu (talk about a problem). Remember the politeness hierarchy: casual hanasu vs. polite hanashimasu vs. humble mousu (speaking, for oneself).

Kanji Breakdown

話 (hanasu) originally combined symbols for tongue and words, representing speech. The character has represented speaking for over 2,000 years.

Example Sentences

Everyday use

毎日友達と話します。

Mainichi tomodachi to hanashimasu.

I talk with friends every day.

Casual / Social Media

彼は日本語を上手に話します。

Kare wa nihongo wo jōzu ni hanashimasu.

He speaks Japanese well.

Formal / Cultural context

先生は興味深い話をしてくださいました。

Sensei wa kyōmitsuki na hanashi wo shite kudasaimashita.

The teacher told us an interesting story.

Cultural Context

Speaking is central to Japanese communication, but how people speak matters deeply. Japanese communication emphasizes politeness, respect for hierarchy, and reading the room. The language itself has multiple registers—formal (keigo), polite (teineigo), casual (kudaketa)—each used in different social contexts. Learning hanasu means learning to navigate these social rules.

Storytelling (hanashi) holds cultural significance in Japanese society. Traditional arts like rakugo (comic storytelling) preserve cultural narratives. Contemporary communication often emphasizes listening (kiku) before speaking, reflecting the value of thoughtful communication over rapid speech. Understanding hanasu helps learners appreciate Japanese communication philosophy.