話
話 means to speak, to talk, or a story or conversation. It is used both as a verb meaning to speak and as a noun referring to a talk, story, or topic.
Reading
On’yomi: ワ (wa)
Kun’yomi: はな-す (hana-su), はなし (hanashi)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 話 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | talk, speak, story, conversation |
| Stroke Count | 13 |
| JLPT Level | N4 |
How to Understand This Kanji
話 covers both the act of speaking and the content of what is said. 話す describes the action of communicating verbally, while 話 as a noun refers to the conversation or story itself. It is broader than simply stating facts and often implies an exchange or narrative. A common comparison for learners: 話す is what you do, and 話 is what results.
Common Words
- 話す（はなす / hanasu） — to speak, to talk
- 話（はなし / hanashi） — talk, story, conversation
- 会話（かいわ / kaiwa） — conversation, dialogue
- 電話（でんわ / denwa） — telephone, phone call
- 話題（わだい / wadai） — topic, subject of conversation
- 話し合う（はなしあう / hanashiau） — to discuss, to talk over
Example Sentences
-
友だちと電話で話しました。
ともだちとでんわではなしました。 / Tomodachi to denwa de hanashimashita.
I talked with my friend on the phone.
-
面白い話を聞かせてください。
おもしろいはなしをきかせてください。 / Omoshiroi hanashi o kikasete kudasai.
Please tell me an interesting story.
-
二人で問題について話し合いました。
ふたりでもんだいについてはなしあいました。 / Futari de mondai ni tsuite hanashiaimashita.
The two of us discussed the problem.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
The two most important forms are 話す (to speak) and 話 (a story or conversation). A key compound every beginner needs is 電話 (telephone). 会話 means conversation and is useful for describing communication between people. Do not confuse 話す with 言う: 話す implies a fuller exchange, while 言う focuses on stating a specific thing.
Summary
話 is essential for expressing speaking, storytelling, and conversation in Japanese.