talk; speech; chat; conversation
Only when written 話 / 話し
General term for spoken exchange or the act of talking. Can refer to casual chat or more formal speech.
友達と長い話をした。
I had a long talk with a friend.
彼の話はいつも面白い。
His stories are always interesting.
Refers to the subject matter of a conversation or discussion. Often used in phrases like 話が変わる (the topic changes).
話がそれてしまった。
We got off topic.
その話はまた今度にしよう。
Let's talk about that another time.
discussion; negotiation; argument
Only when written 話 / 話し
Used when the talk involves deliberation, bargaining, or a dispute. Common in business or conflict contexts.
契約の話を進めましょう。
Let's proceed with the contract negotiations.
彼と話がついた。
I reached an agreement with him.
Unverified information passed around; often implies gossip or something heard from others.
変な話を聞いたんだけど。
I heard a strange rumor.
それはただの話だよ。
That's just hearsay.
Refers to the specific details or situation of a matter. Often used when explaining reasons or background.
話によっては協力できるかもしれない。
Depending on the circumstances, I might be able to help.
詳しい話を聞かせてほしい。
I'd like to hear the particulars.
I had a talk with my friend about the future.
The topic suddenly changed, and everyone was surprised.
We settled the price with the client through negotiation.
According to what he says, the president is apparently stepping down next month.
I have something to talk to you about, do you have time?
I heard an old story from my grandmother.
話 is a broad, everyday word covering talk, story, or topic, whereas 喋り specifically emphasizes the act or style of chatting.
old tale; folk tale; legend · reminiscence; old story
fairy tale; fairy story; nursery tale
made-up story; fiction; fabrication
inside story; behind-the-scenes account
funny story; funny anecdote
chat over tea; tea-time talk
talk about breaking up; discussion of divorce or separation
talking while standing; standing around talking
anecdote; short comic story
tidbit; digression; sidebar; snippet
long talk; long conversation
with a grain of salt; discounting half the story
chat about various topics; rambling talk
way of talking; manner of speaking
gossip; rumor talk
chat without food or drink · rakugo without musical accompaniment
small talk; chat; idle talk
loud speech; boasting; talking big
foolish talk; idle talk; nonsense
tall tale; cock-and-bull story; bullshit
anecdote; common talk
talking about one's misfortunes; tales of one's misfortunes
idle gossip; foolish talk; yarn
small talk; chat; gossip
Rare kanji form; sometimes used in traditional storytelling contexts.
Rare kanji form; mainly encountered in literary or historical contexts.