話
JLPT N5
Talk, speak, story
Readings
On’yomi: ワ (wa)
Kun’yomi: はな(す), はなし (hana(su), hanashi)
• はな（す） (hanasu) → to speak, to tell
• はなし (hanashi) → talk, story, speech
Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
話す
はなす
speak
話
はなし
story
会話
かいわ
conversation
話題
わだい
topic
噂話
うわさばなし
gossip
Example Sentences
友達と日本語で話します。
ともだちと にほんごで はなします。
I speak Japanese with friends.
面白い話を聞きました。
おもしろい はなしを ききました。
I heard an interesting story.
英語で会話ができます。
えいごで かいわが できます。
I can have a conversation in English.
今日の話題は天気です。
きょうの わだいは てんきです。
Today's topic is the weather.
噂話をしてはいけません。
うわさばなしを してはいけません。
You should not gossip.
Cultural Note
1. Importance of Polite Speech (話す / 話題)
o In Japanese culture, how you speak and the topic of conversation is crucial.
o Using appropriate 話し方 (hanashikata) — way of speaking — is tied to politeness and hierarchy, e.g., honorifics when speaking to elders or superiors.
2. Indirectness in Communication
o Japanese people often avoid direct confrontation.
o Words like 相談 (to consult) or 会話 (conversation) reflect the cultural emphasis on discussion and harmony rather than blunt statements.
3. Storytelling & Tradition
o 話 is central in 伝統文化, like 昔話 (むかしばなし, folk tales), which teach morals or history.
o Storytelling remains a core way to pass culture, lessons, and values.
o In Japanese culture, how you speak and the topic of conversation is crucial.
o Using appropriate 話し方 (hanashikata) — way of speaking — is tied to politeness and hierarchy, e.g., honorifics when speaking to elders or superiors.
2. Indirectness in Communication
o Japanese people often avoid direct confrontation.
o Words like 相談 (to consult) or 会話 (conversation) reflect the cultural emphasis on discussion and harmony rather than blunt statements.
3. Storytelling & Tradition
o 話 is central in 伝統文化, like 昔話 (むかしばなし, folk tales), which teach morals or history.
o Storytelling remains a core way to pass culture, lessons, and values.