The Meaning of iu [言う] In Japanese

言う
いう
Romaji: iu N5

What does 言う mean?

Translation and Meaning

to say, to tell, to call

Definition

The verb 言う (iu) means ‘to say’ — to produce spoken words or express something verbally in Japanese; it is the basic verb used to utter phrases or state information.

Type

verb, godan verb (五段動詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • 1. to tell or inform someone (convey information to a listener)
  • 2. to call or name (to give a name or refer to something as X)
  • 3. to mean or signify (indicate the meaning of a word or phrase)
  • 4. to report hearsay or a quotation (used to convey what someone said indirectly)
  • 5. to state an opinion or make an assertion (express a viewpoint)

Origin

Attested in Old Japanese and classical literature, 言う (iu) entered the language as a fundamental speech verb during the early use of Chinese characters in Japan; its role as the primary verb for utterance and naming has been continuous from ancient poetic records through modern spoken and written Japanese.

Composition

  • 言 (iu) — the character conveys the idea of speech, words, and utterance
  • the okurigana u indicates the verb ending used for conjugation in modern Japanese, attaching to the kanji root to form the verb

Usage

Used across spoken and written Japanese in everyday, literary, and formal contexts; speakers choose polite conjugations in formal situations and plain forms in casual speech, and the verb commonly combines with particles and supporting grammar to mark quotations, report speech, introduce names, or frame hearsay without requiring a direct quote.
💡 Tips
Link the sound 言う (iu) to the phrase “I you” in your head: imagine saying something directly to someone — “I say to you” — to recall that it means “to say.”

Variations

  • 話す (hanasu) — to talk, to speak (focuses on the act of speaking)
  • 述べる (noberu) — to state or describe (more formal, often written)
  • 言い表す (iiarawasu) — to express (emphasizes articulation or expression)
  • 黙る (damaru) — to be silent (antonym)
言う