Readings: ワ (Onyomi), はなす・はなし (Kunyomi)
Meaning: to talk, to speak, conversation, story
話 is used in many everyday words like 話す (to speak), 電話 (telephone), and 会話 (conversation). It combines 言 (words) and 舌 (tongue), symbolizing speaking.
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
Radical | 言 (words) |
---|---|
Strokes | 13 |
JLPT Level | N5 |
Grade | 2nd Grade |
Readings
Onyomi | ワ |
---|---|
Kunyomi | はなす・はなし |
How to Write – Stroke Order
話 is a compound of 言 (word/speech) on the left and 舌 (tongue) on the right. It emphasizes the act of speaking or telling.

Example Sentences
Japanese: 日本語で話しましょう。
Kana: にほんごではなしましょう。
Romaji: Nihongo de hanashimashou.
English: Let’s speak in Japanese.
Japanese: 面白い話を聞きました。
Kana: おもしろいはなしをききました。
Romaji: Omoshiroi hanashi o kikimashita.
English: I heard an interesting story.
Japanese: 電話をかけてもいいですか?
Kana: でんわをかけてもいいですか?
Romaji: Denwa o kakete mo ii desu ka?
English: May I make a phone call?
Vocabulary Using 話
Word | Reading | Meaning |
---|---|---|
話す | はなす | to speak, to talk |
話 | はなし | story, talk |
電話 | でんわ | telephone |
会話 | かいわ | conversation |
話題 | わだい | topic of conversation |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary

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