Japanese word

話し方

Pronunciation

Romajihanashikata

Meaning

  • nounspeaking style

Example

彼の話し方はとても丁寧です。kare no hana shi kata wa to te mo tei nei de su

His speaking style is very polite.

Illustration for 話し方 (speaking style)

More examples

会議では、相手に合わせて話し方を変えます。kai gi de wa ai te ni a wa se te hana shi kata o ka e ma su

In meetings, I adjust my speaking style to suit the other person.

Core concept

Captures the manner in which speech is delivered and shaped, from tone and rhythm to the choice of words.

Common phrases

  • 話し方が丁寧hana shi kata ga tei nei

    a polite speaking style

  • 話し方を変えるhana shi kata o ka e ru

    change one's speaking style

  • 話し方の癖hana shi kata no kuse

    speaking habits

  • 話し方を直すhana shi kata o nao su

    improve one's speaking style

Similar words

話しぶりhanashiburi: The overall character of a person's way of speaking.
口調kuchō: The tone and rhythm of a person's spoken language.
言葉遣いkotobazukai: The selection and use of words when speaking.
物言いmonoii: The manner in which a person phrases spoken thoughts.

Definition in Japanese

話す人の声の調子や話す速さ、言葉遣いなどから感じられる発話の特徴。hana su hito no koe no chō shi ya hana su haya sa koto ba zuka i na do ka ra kan ji ra re ru hatsu wa no toku chō

Word origin

話し方 (hanashikata) joins 話し (hanashi, "speaking") with 方 (kata, "way"), a pattern in which 方 marks a manner or method.

Usage tips

  • The word can describe a person's habitual manner of speaking or a deliberate style adopted for a particular situation.

Related words

  • 話し手hanashitespeakernoun
  • 話しぶりhanashiburimanner of speakingnoun

Word lists with this word