Translation guide
How to express the act of speaking, talking, or giving a speech in Japanese, depending on context and formality.
To express the act of speaking or talking in everyday conversation.
The most common verb for 'to speak' or 'to talk'. Used for conversations, telling stories, or speaking a language.
Casual verb for 'to chat' or 'to talk'. Often implies informal, friendly conversation. Can sound slightly rough or blunt.
ずっとしゃべってた。
We were just chatting the whole time.
To talk about something at length, often with emotion or in a narrative style. Used for recounting experiences or stories.
彼は自分の経験を語った。
He spoke about his experiences.
To express the act of delivering a speech or formal address.
The most direct way to say 'give a speech'. Uses the loanword スピーチ.
結婚式でスピーチをしました。
I gave a speech at the wedding.
Formal term for giving a public speech, often political or ceremonial.
大統領が演説した。
The president gave a speech.
To give a lecture or formal talk, often academic or professional.
教授が講演しました。
The professor gave a lecture.
To express the ability to speak a language.
Used with language names to mean 'speak (a language)'.
英語を話せますか？
Can you speak English?
Casual potential form of しゃべる, meaning 'can speak' a language. Very informal.
彼はペラペラ喋れるよ。
He can speak fluently.
To contrast spoken language with written language.
Spoken language, as opposed to written language (書き言葉).
話し言葉と書き言葉は違います。
Spoken language and written language are different.
Colloquial language; often used in linguistic contexts.
To introduce a general statement or opinion.
Literally 'generally speaking'. A common phrase to introduce a generalization.
一般的に言えば、日本人は礼儀正しい。
Generally speaking, Japanese people are polite.
Roughly speaking; used when giving a broad, not precise, statement.
大ざっぱに言うと、予算は足りない。
Broadly speaking, the budget is insufficient.
To transition to a related topic in conversation.
Used when something reminds you of a related topic. 'Speaking of which' or 'now that you mention it'.
そう言えば、明日は休みだね。
Speaking of which, tomorrow is a holiday, isn't it?
Attached to a noun to mean 'speaking of X'. Often used to bring up a classic association.
夏と言えば、花火だ。
Speaking of summer, fireworks come to mind.
話す is neutral and can be used in most situations. しゃべる is casual and often implies chatting or talking informally. Using しゃべる in formal settings can be rude.
しゃべる is too casual for giving a speech or formal talk. Use スピーチをする or 演説する instead.
Learn colloquial expressions.