JLPT · Level 38
75 words
Japanese word
話しかける
Pronunciation
Romajihanashikakeru
Meaning
- verbtalk to
Example
先生に話しかけます。sen sei ni hana shi ka ke ma su
I talk to the teacher.
More examples
困っている人を見かけたら、こちらから話しかけます。koma tte i ru hito o mi ka ke ta ra ko chi ra ka ra hana shi ka ke ma su
If I see someone in trouble, I talk to them first.
Core concept
Describes directing speech toward someone to open or enter a conversation with them.
Common phrases
人に話しかけるhito ni hana shi ka ke ru
talk to someone
気軽に話しかけるki garu ni hana shi ka ke ru
speak casually to someone
先生に話しかけるsen sei ni hana shi ka ke ru
talk to a teacher
Similar words
話すhanasu: To express thoughts or information through spoken words.
呼びかけるyobikakeru: To direct words or a call to a person or group to gain attention or a response.
語りかけるkatarikakeru: To speak to a person or group in a gentle or engaging way.
Definition in Japanese
相手に声をかけて、会話を始める。ai te ni koe o ka ke te kai wa o haji me ru
Word origin
話しかける (hanashikakeru) combines 話す (hanasu, "to speak") and 掛ける (kakeru, "to direct toward"), expressing speech directed at another person.
Usage tips
- In a classroom, 話しかける (hanashikakeru) describes starting a conversation with someone, whereas 話す (hanasu) does not by itself show who is approached.
Other meanings
- addressverb
Opposites
- 無視するmushisuruignoreverb
Related words
- 話しかけ方hanashikakekataway of speaking to someonenoun