Translation guide
The English verb 'say' is used to report speech, express opinions, give examples, and more. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 言う (いう), but the best choice depends on formality, whether you are quoting directly or indirectly, and the specific nuance. This guide covers natural ways to express 'say' in various contexts.
He said hello.
Natural Japanese uses 挨拶する, not こんにちはと言う.
The sign says 'Stop'.
To report what someone said or thought, using direct or indirect quotation.
The most common and versatile verb for 'say'. Used with the quotative particle と for direct or indirect quotes. In casual speech, って is often used instead of と.
He said, 'Hello.'
Humble form of 言う. Used when the speaker refers to their own or their in-group's speech in formal situations, showing respect to the listener.
Respectful form of 言う. Used when referring to what a superior, customer, or someone you respect said.
To give one's opinion, state something as true, or make a claim.
Still the default verb for expressing opinions. Often used with 〜と思う (I think that...) or 〜と言える (it can be said that...).
To introduce an example or hypothetical scenario, like 'say you win the lottery'.
To refer to what a sign, book, message, etc. says.
To tell someone to do something, as in 'I said to clean your room'.
Pattern for indirect commands: 'tell someone to do something'. Verb in dictionary form or negative form + ように言う.
To convey something you heard from others without specifying the source.
Hearsay marker. Attach to plain form of verb/adjective. Means 'I heard that...' or 'they say that...'.
In many cases, English 'say' is part of a fixed phrase or idiom that doesn't use 言う in Japanese. For example, 'that is to say' is つまり or すなわち, not 言うために. 'Say hello' is 挨拶する, not こんにちはと言う. Always consider the natural Japanese expression for the whole idea.
Please say hello to him.
She said she will come next week.
私は田中と申します。
I am called Tanaka. (lit. I say Tanaka.)
先生がそうおっしゃいました。
The teacher said so.
彼はその映画が面白いと言った。
He said the movie was interesting.
I would say he is right. (lit. I think he is right.)
A more formal verb meaning 'to state' or 'to express'. Common in written language, speeches, and formal discussions.
He stated his opinion at the meeting.
Means 'to talk about' or 'to narrate', often implying a story or detailed account. Can be used for expressing opinions in a narrative style.
He talked about his own experience.
Means 'for example'. The most direct way to introduce an example.
Say you win the lottery, what would you do?
A pattern meaning 'let's suppose that...'. Attach to a clause in plain form.
Say he doesn't come.
Adverb meaning 'supposing' or 'if'. Used to set up a hypothetical condition.
Say you had one million yen, what would you buy?
The sign says 'No Entry'.
Passive form of 書く, also meaning 'it is written'. Slightly more formal than 書いてある.
It says so in this book.
Means 'to indicate' or 'to show'. Used for data, results, or formal displays.
The data says there is improvement. (lit. The data shows improvement.)
My mother said to clean my room.
Direct quotation of a command. Use the imperative form or 〜てください inside the quote.
The teacher said, 'Be quiet.'
They say it will rain tomorrow.
Also expresses hearsay or conjecture based on evidence. Slightly less direct than そうだ.
They say he's getting married next year.
Passive form meaning 'it is said that...'. Common in formal or written contexts.
They say Japan is a safe country.
言う (いう) focuses on the content of speech, often a specific statement. 話す (はなす) means 'to speak' or 'to talk', focusing on the act of conversation or telling a story. しゃべる means 'to chat' or 'to talk informally', often implying a continuous flow of speech. Use 言う for 'say', 話す for 'talk/speak', and しゃべる for 'chat'.
He said 'yes'.
I talked with him.
I chatted with my friend.