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What is the Kanji for 'Talk'? | 話

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Talk', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Talk' is 話.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Talk

    Reading

    kunyomiはな

    hana

    はなし

    hanashi

    onyomi

    wa

    Parts

    Say Tongue

    Example Word

    話し掛ける: address. The Japanese verb '話し掛ける (はなしかける)' means 'to address' or 'to start a conversation with someone'. It is used when someone initiates a conversation or speaks to another person, often to get their attention or to begin a dialogue. This verb implies an action of reaching out verbally to someone. For example: She addressed the stranger「彼女は見知らぬ人に話し掛けた」(かのじょはみしらぬひとにはなしかけた). He started a conversation with his colleague「彼は同僚に話し掛けた」(かれはどうりょうにはなしかけた). The verb can be used in various contexts, from casual to formal, depending on the situation and the relationship between the speakers.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N5

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    57

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    kanji

    Meaning

    Say

    kanji

    Meaning

    Tongue

Words Using

This kanji is used in 18 words:

    word

    Meaning

    Story

    word

    話す

    Meaning

    Talk, Speak

    word

    会話

    Meaning

    Conversation

    word

    電話

    Meaning

    Call

    word

    話題

    Meaning

    Topic

    word

    電話帳

    Meaning

    Phone book

    word

    世話

    Meaning

    Care

    word

    受話器

    Meaning

    Receiver

    word

    話し合う

    Meaning

    Discuss

    word

    話し掛ける

    Meaning

    Address

    word

    神話

    Meaning

    Myth

    word

    話し合い

    Meaning

    Discussion

    word

    長話

    Meaning

    Long talk

    word

    作り話

    Meaning

    Fabrication

    word

    対話

    Meaning

    Dialogue

    word

    受話

    Meaning

    Receiver

    word

    話し言葉

    Meaning

    Spoken language

    word

    話し声

    Meaning

    Voice

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 21 kanji contain the part 言 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Measure, Plan

    kanji

    Meaning

    Language, Word

    kanji

    Meaning

    Read

    kanji

    Meaning

    Record

    kanji

    調

    Meaning

    Investigate, Tune

    kanji

    Meaning

    Entice, Induce

    kanji

    Meaning

    Trust

    kanji

    Meaning

    Theory, Argument

    kanji

    Meaning

    Recognize, Admit

    kanji

    Meaning

    Warn

    kanji

    Meaning

    Evaluate

    kanji

    Meaning

    Visit

    kanji

    Meaning

    Reason, Translation

    kanji

    Meaning

    Constitution

    kanji

    Meaning

    Correct, Revise

    kanji

    Meaning

    Noh chanting, Popular song

    kanji

    Meaning

    Instruct, Admonish

    kanji

    Meaning

    Swear, Vow

    kanji

    Meaning

    Praise, Honor

    kanji

    Meaning

    Abandon, Give up

    kanji

    Meaning

    Who

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 5 kanji contain the part 舌 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lively

    kanji

    Meaning

    Word, Resign

    kanji

    Meaning

    Disorder, Riot

    kanji

    Meaning

    Rest

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bind, Fasten

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 話 mean?

話 means 'Talk'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Second Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N5 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.