Japanese Conversation · Level 5
87 words
Japanese word
言う
Pronunciation
Romajiiu
Meaning
- verbsay
Example
私は友だちに「ありがとう」と言います。watashi wa tomo da chi ni a ri ga tō to i i ma su
I say thank you to my friend.
More examples
「ありがとう」と言います。a ri ga tō to i i ma su
I say, "Thank you."
困ったことは、すぐに先生に言います。koma tta ko to wa su gu ni sen sei ni i i ma su
When I have a problem, I tell my teacher right away.
Core concept
Puts a thought, message, or piece of information into words so that another person can receive it.
Common phrases
名前を言うna mae o i u
say one's name
本当のことを言うhon tō no ko to o i u
tell the truth
Similar words
話すhanasu: To use words to communicate with another person, often in a conversation.
伝えるtsutaeru: To deliver information, thoughts, or feelings to a particular person.
Definition in Japanese
相手に伝えたいことを、声や言葉で表す。ai te ni tsuta e ta i ko to o koe ya koto ba de arawa su
Word origin
The native Japanese verb 言う (iu) was formerly written 言ふ (ifu), and its modern spelling reflects the change from the older spelling.
Usage tips
- In beginner Japanese, 言う (iu) changes to 言います (iimasu) in polite speech, so the same verb appears in both casual and polite conversation.