The Japanese language is rich in expressions and nuances, especially when it comes to communication and elocution. Knowing the verbs used to speak, listen, ask, and convey information is essential to better understand the context of conversations, texts, and even dialogues in anime and movies. These verbs also help identify the tone, intention, and attitude of the speaker, making communication clearer and more expressive.
In this article, we will explore some of the main conversation, communication, and elocution verbs in Japanese. We will analyze their meanings, uses, and provide practical examples for you to incorporate into your vocabulary. Get ready to expand your language skills!
Table of Content
Main Communication Verbs in Japanese
Japanese verbs often carry important nuances that can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Let's check out some of the most common ones and their applications:
1. Speak, Say and Communicate
- 言う (iu) - Say, pronounce.
- 話す (hanasu) - Speak, talk.
- 語る (kataru) - Narrate, tell a story.
- 伝える (tsutaeru) - Communicate, convey.
彼女は真実を伝えた。
Kanojo wa shinjitsu o tsutaeta.
She communicated the truth.
2. Ask and Question
- 尋ねる (tasuneru) - Ask, inquire.
- 問う (tou) - Ask reflectively or directly.
- 頼む (tanomu) - Ask, beg, entrust a task.
教師に質問を尋ねました。
Kyoushi ni shitsumon o tazunemashita.
I asked the teacher a question.
3. Respond and Explain
- 答える (kotaeru) - Reply, give an answer.
- 説明する (setsumei suru) - Explain, clarify.
- 述べる (noberu) - To mention, to formally declare.
彼は質問に答えました。
Kare wa shitsumon ni kotaemashita.
He answered the question.
4. Expressing Emotions
- 笑う (warau) - Laugh, smile.
- 怒鳴る (donaru) - Shout, roar.
- 囁く (sasayaku) - Whisper, speak softly.
子供たちが笑っていました。
Kodomo-tachi ga waratte imashita.
The children were laughing.
5. Deny and Justify
- 打ち消す (uchikesu) - Deny, contradict.
- 謝る (ayamaru) - Apologize.
- 説明する (setsumei suru) - Explain, justify an action.
彼女は自分の行動を説明しました。
Kanojo wa jibun no koudou o setsumei shimashita.
She justified her actions.
6. Conclude and Reflect
- 考える (kangaeru) - Think, reflect.
- 済ます (sumasu) - Conclude, finish.
- 心得る (kokoroeru) - Be aware, understand deeply.
問題について考えています。
Mondai ni tsuite kangaete imasu.
I am thinking about the problem.
List of Communication Verbs
Below we will list other communication verbs that did not appear in the previous examples, but are also very common and extremely important for you to learn while studying Japanese:
- 聞く (kiku) - Listen.
- 断る (kotowaru) - Refuse, reject.
- 歌う (utau) - Sing.
- 喚く (wameku) - To scream, to cry, to weep.
- 話し合う (hanashiau) - Discuss, talk in a group.
- 呟く (tsubuyaku) - Murmur, grumble.
- 詰る (najiru) - Reprimand.
- 叱る (shikaru) - Reprimand, censor, curse.
- 叫ぶ (sakebu) - To shout, to exclaim.
- 説く (toku) - Explain, defend, persuade.
- 繰り返す (kurikaesu) - Repeat.
- 捩じ込む (nejikomu) - Protest, screw, push.
- 宣べ伝える (nobetsutaeru) - To preach.
- 言い切る (iikiru) - Declare, affirm.
- 命令する (meireisuru) - Order, command.
- 取り決める (torikimeru) - Agree, decide, make a contract.
- 詫びる (wabiru) - Apologize.
- 言い開く (iihiraku) - Justify, explain, vindicate.
- 教える (oshieru) - Teach, instruct, inform.
Example Phrases
To finish, let's leave more example sentences for you to study:
動物は学ぶし、学んだことを伝えることができる。
Dōbutsu wa manabushi, mananda koto o tsutaeru koto ga dekiru.
Animals can learn and pass on what they have learned.
死ぬなどと言うな。
Shinu nado to iu na.
Don't say things like die.
何を話しているの？
Nani o hanashite iru no?
What are you talking?
彼にもう一杯いかがかと問う。
Kare ni mōippai ikaga ka to tou.
Ask him if he wants another drink.
トムは断ることができない。
Tomu wa kotowaru koto ga dekinai.
Tom cannot refuse.
私はあなたの質問に答えることができない。
Watashi wa anata no shitsumon ni kotaeru koto ga dekinai.
I cannot answer your question.
彼は兵士たちに大声を上げて命令した。
Kare wa heishi-tachi ni ōgoe o agete meirei shita.
He shouted an order to the soldiers.
彼は彼女に何か囁いた。
Kare wa kanojo ni nanika sasayaita.
He whispered something to her.
その話題は話し合う価値がある。
Sono wadai wa hanashiau kachigāru.
This topic is worth discussing.