expression, godan verb (-u)
say enough; say plenty
Used when someone says as much as needed, often in contexts where the speaker has said their piece or given sufficient warning.
彼はよく言うだけ言って、さっさと帰ってしまった。
He said his piece and then quickly left.
注意はよく言ったから、あとは本人
I've warned him enough; the rest is up to him.
expression, godan verb (-u)
say well; say cleverly; say elegantly
Describes speaking in a skillful, eloquent, or flattering manner; often used when someone phrases something nicely.
彼女はいつも人のことをよく言う。
She always speaks well of others.
あの政治家はよく言うけど、実際は何もしていない。
That politician talks a good game, but actually does nothing.
expression, godan verb (-u)
say often; say frequently
Indicates that something is said repeatedly or habitually; often used in the pattern よく言うことだが or よく言われる.
彼は「忙しい」とよく言う。
He often says he's busy.
祖母がよく言っていた言葉を思い出す。
I remember the words my grandmother used to say often.
expression, godan verb (-u)
say without shame; say impudently
Used as an admonition, often in the form よく言うよ, to express disbelief or criticism when someone says something shameless or hypocritical.
自分は悪くないなんて、よく言うよ。
How can you say you're not at fault? (You've got some nerve.)
あんなに遅刻しておいて「時間を守れ」だって？よく言うよ。
After being late so often, he tells others to be punctual? What a nerve.