話す

はなす

to speak / to talk

N5Godan (U-verb / Group 1)transitive

To speak, talk, or tell someone something. A godan verb essential for communication. Uses と for conversation partner.

Complete Conjugation of 話す

Dictionary (辞書形)

Base form found in dictionaries

話す

Polite (ます形)

Standard polite form

話します

Negative (ない形)

Casual negative

話さない

Past (た形)

Past tense, casual

話した

Te-form (て形)

Connecting form — requests, progressive

話して

Potential (可能形)

Ability — 'can do'

話せる

Volitional (意向形)

Intention — 'let's do'

話そう

Passive (受身形)

Action done to the subject

話される

Causative (使役形)

Make/let someone do

話させる

Conditional (仮定形)

If / when condition

話せば

Imperative (命令形)

Direct command (casual/rough)

話せ

Example Sentences

日本語を話します。

にほんごをはなします。

I speak Japanese.

友達と話しました。

ともだちとはなしました。

I talked with my friend.

日本語が話せますか？

にほんごがはなせますか？

Can you speak Japanese?

Usage Notes

を話す = to speak (a language); と話す = to talk with someone.

Related Verbs

聞くto listen / to ask 読むto read

All Japanese Verbs →Grammar Guides →Word Dictionary →

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