たくさん話す
a lot speak
Use this phrase to describe a long, enjoyable conversation or a person who loves to chat.
In 15 Seconds
- Means to speak a lot or have a long chat.
- Combines 'takusan' (a lot) with 'hanasu' (to talk).
- Used for friendly catch-ups or describing talkative people.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of having a long, deep conversation or simply being a very talkative person. It’s what you say when you’ve spent hours catching up with a friend over coffee.
Key Examples
3 of 6Meeting an old friend for coffee
今日はたくさん話そう！
Let's talk a lot today!
Describing a chatty younger brother
弟はいつもたくさん話す。
My little brother always talks a lot.
After a successful business meeting
昨日はたくさん話しましたね。
We talked a lot yesterday, didn't we?
Cultural Background
While Japanese culture often values 'reading the air' and silence, 'takusan hanasu' represents the joy of 'shaberu' (chatting). It is the verbal glue that cements friendships in a society that is usually quite reserved. In Osaka, people are famously known to 'takusan hanasu' more than in Tokyo!
The 'Ippai' Swap
If you want to sound more casual and energetic, swap `takusan` for `ippai`. It sounds more like 'full' of talk!
Watch the 'Too Much'
If you add `sugiru` (too much), it becomes a complaint. Be careful not to say `hanashi-sugiru` unless you're actually annoyed!
In 15 Seconds
- Means to speak a lot or have a long chat.
- Combines 'takusan' (a lot) with 'hanasu' (to talk).
- Used for friendly catch-ups or describing talkative people.
What It Means
たくさん話す is a simple combination of two words. たくさん means "a lot" or "many." 話す means "to talk" or "to speak." Together, they describe speaking in large quantities. It is the most common way to say someone is chatting a lot. You can use it for a single event or a personality trait.
How To Use It
You usually place たくさん right before the verb 話す. It acts like an adverb here. If you want to be polite, change it to たくさん話します. To talk about the past, use たくさん話しました. It is a very flexible building block for your Japanese. You will hear it in almost every casual conversation.
When To Use It
Use this when you meet a friend after a long time. It is perfect for describing a great first date. You can also use it to describe a chatty coworker. Use it when you want to encourage someone to open up. "Please, talk a lot!" sounds very welcoming in Japanese. It’s great for texting after a long phone call too.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in extremely formal business presentations. In those cases, use 詳しく説明する (explain in detail). Don't use it if the "talking" is actually a one-sided lecture. It implies a back-and-forth flow of words. Also, if someone is being too loud, this phrase might be too soft. There are harsher words for "noisy."
Cultural Background
Japan is often seen as a culture of silence. However, たくさん話す is highly valued in close relationships. It signifies trust and "kokoro no kyori" (heart distance). When you talk a lot with someone, you are becoming "nakayoshi" (close friends). It breaks the formal barrier of Japanese society. Sharing stories is the best way to build a bond here.
Common Variations
You might hear いっぱい話す (ippai hanasu) in very casual settings. いっぱい is a bit more "bubbly" and cute. If you want to say "talk more," use もっとたくさん話す. For a very polite version, use たくさんお話しします. Each variation changes the flavor but keeps the heart of the meaning.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral phrase that fits most situations. Just remember to use the `-masu` form with strangers or superiors to stay polite.
The 'Ippai' Swap
If you want to sound more casual and energetic, swap `takusan` for `ippai`. It sounds more like 'full' of talk!
Watch the 'Too Much'
If you add `sugiru` (too much), it becomes a complaint. Be careful not to say `hanashi-sugiru` unless you're actually annoyed!
The Power of Listening
In Japan, a person who lets others `takusan hanasu` is considered a great friend and a 'good listener' (kiki-jouzu).
Examples
6今日はたくさん話そう！
Let's talk a lot today!
Using the 'ou' ending makes it a warm suggestion.
弟はいつもたくさん話す。
My little brother always talks a lot.
Here it describes a habit or personality trait.
昨日はたくさん話しましたね。
We talked a lot yesterday, didn't we?
The 'mashita' ending makes it polite for colleagues.
もっとたくさん話したいです。
I want to talk to you much more.
Adding 'tai' expresses a personal desire or wish.
あの人はたくさん話しすぎる。
That person talks way too much.
Adding 'sugiru' adds a negative 'too much' nuance.
猫にたくさん話すのは変ですか？
Is it weird that I talk to my cat a lot?
A common relatable situation for pet owners.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to say 'I talked a lot with my friend.'
友達と___話しました。
`たくさん` means 'a lot', which fits the context of talking extensively.
Choose the correct verb form for 'Let's talk a lot.'
たくさん___。
`話そう` is the volitional form, used to suggest doing something together.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Talking a Lot'
Used with close friends or family.
いっぱい話す (Ippai hanasu)
Standard way to express the idea.
たくさん話す (Takusan hanasu)
Safe for work and new acquaintances.
たくさん話します (Takusan hanashimasu)
Very respectful, used in business.
たくさんお話しします (Takusan o-hanashi shimasu)
Where to use 'Takusan Hanasu'
At a Cafe
Catching up with a best friend.
On the Phone
A long call with parents.
In a Meeting
Brainstorming many new ideas.
At Home
Talking to your partner about your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTakusan is neutral and standard. Ippai is more casual and can also mean 'full' like a stomach or a cup.
It is better to use the polite form takusan hanashimashita. For even more respect, use o-hanashi.
Yes, but in formal emails, people often use setsumei (explain) or soudan (consult) instead of just hanasu.
You say takusan hanashitai desu. The tai ending expresses your desire.
No, for languages you would say takusan no gengo o hanasu. Takusan hanasu usually refers to the volume of words.
It depends on your tone! If you say it with a smile, it's a compliment. If you look tired, it might sound like a complaint.
The opposite is amari hanasanai (don't talk much) or mukuchi (a person of few words).
No, hanasu is specifically for oral communication. For a book, you would say it has 'a lot of information'.
Hanasu is to have a conversation or speak. Iu means 'to say' a specific thing.
You use the past tense: takusan hanashita (casual) or takusan hanashimashita (polite).
Related Phrases
お喋りする
To chat or gossip (casual)
長電話する
To talk long on the phone
語り合う
To talk together deeply
話し続ける
To keep on talking
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