少し話す
a little speak
Literally: sukoshi (a little) + hanasu (speak/talk)
Use this to humbly describe your Japanese skills or request a quick, low-pressure conversation.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe basic language skills or a brief chat.
- Combines 'sukoshi' (a little) with 'hanasu' (to speak).
- Essential for setting expectations and being humble in conversation.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for saying you speak a bit of a language or for asking someone for a quick, five-minute chat. It is a humble way to describe your skills or a polite way to interrupt someone briefly.
Key Examples
3 of 6Meeting a local at a bar
Nihongo o sukoshi hanasu.
I speak a little Japanese.
Asking a coworker for a quick minute
Ima, sukoshi hanashite mo ii desu ka?
Is it okay to talk for a little bit now?
Texting a friend about a secret
Ato de sukoshi hanasou!
Let's talk a bit later!
Cultural Background
The phrase embodies the Japanese concept of 'Kenjou' (humility). By using 'sukoshi,' speakers manage expectations and show respect for the complexity of the language or the other person's time. It is a social lubricant that prevents the speaker from appearing overconfident.
The 'Chotto' Swap
If you want to sound more like a local in casual settings, swap 'sukoshi' for 'chotto'. It's the ultimate Japanese multi-tool word!
Don't Oversell
In Japan, saying you speak 'a little' when you speak 'a lot' is seen as polite. But saying you speak 'a lot' when you speak 'a little' can be awkward!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe basic language skills or a brief chat.
- Combines 'sukoshi' (a little) with 'hanasu' (to speak).
- Essential for setting expectations and being humble in conversation.
What It Means
Sukoshi hanasu is a versatile building block of Japanese. It literally means "to speak a little." You will use it in two main ways. First, it describes your proficiency in a language. If someone asks if you know Japanese, this is your perfect answer. Second, it describes the act of having a short conversation. It is not about a deep, three-hour life story. It is about a quick check-in or a brief exchange of information. It is simple, clear, and very common in daily life.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is like playing with Lego. You take the adverb sukoshi (a little) and put it before the verb hanasu (to speak). In Japanese, the action usually comes at the end. If you want to be more polite, you change hanasu to hanashimasu. To ask a question, just add ka at the end. For example, Sukoshi hanashimasu ka? means "Shall we talk for a bit?" It is a very flexible structure. You can swap sukoshi for other words later, but this is the best starting point.
When To Use It
This phrase shines in social settings. Imagine you are at a party and meet a local. You can say you speak a little Japanese to set expectations. It also works perfectly at work. If you see a colleague at the coffee machine, you might say you want to sukoshi hanasu about a project. It is great for texting too. Sending a message like "Can we talk a little later?" uses this exact logic. It feels low-pressure and friendly. It is the linguistic equivalent of a quick wave.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are about to give a long speech. If you have a one-hour presentation, sukoshi is misleading! Also, avoid using the casual hanasu form with your CEO or a teacher unless you are very close. In those cases, use the polite hanashimasu. If you are in a deep, emotional crisis, sukoshi might sound too casual. It might make the other person think it is not a serious matter. Use it for the light stuff, not the heavy life-changing stuff.
Cultural Background
Japan is a culture of modesty. Even people who are quite fluent in a second language will often say they only speak sukoshi. It is a way to avoid looking arrogant. It also protects you! If you say you speak sukoshi, people will use simpler words with you. It is a social safety net. This phrase reflects the Japanese value of "Enryo" or restraint. You are not claiming to be a master. You are just opening a small door to communication. It is a very safe and respected way to start an interaction.
Common Variations
You will often hear chotto hanasu. Chotto also means "a little," but it is much more casual and common in spoken Japanese. Another variation is sukoshi hanasemasu, which means "I *can* speak a little." This is actually more common when talking about language ability. If you want to be very formal, you might say o-hanashi shimasu. This uses a "beautifier" prefix o. For beginners, sticking to sukoshi hanasu or sukoshi hanashimasu is the safest bet. It gets the job done without any fuss.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral in its dictionary form. Use 'hanashimasu' for people you aren't close with, and 'hanasu' for friends, family, or children.
The 'Chotto' Swap
If you want to sound more like a local in casual settings, swap 'sukoshi' for 'chotto'. It's the ultimate Japanese multi-tool word!
Don't Oversell
In Japan, saying you speak 'a little' when you speak 'a lot' is seen as polite. But saying you speak 'a lot' when you speak 'a little' can be awkward!
The Silent 'I'
Notice how we don't always say 'Watashi' (I). In the phrase 'Sukoshi hanasu', the 'I' is usually implied by the context. Keep it simple!
Examples
6Nihongo o sukoshi hanasu.
I speak a little Japanese.
A casual way to tell someone your language level.
Ima, sukoshi hanashite mo ii desu ka?
Is it okay to talk for a little bit now?
Using the polite form to request someone's time.
Ato de sukoshi hanasou!
Let's talk a bit later!
The 'hanasou' ending makes it an invitation to chat.
Neko to sukoshi hanasu no ga suki.
I like talking to my cat a little.
A cute, everyday use of the phrase.
Daiji na koto o sukoshi hanasu ne.
I'm going to talk about something important for a bit.
Softens the blow of a serious topic.
Sumimasen, Eigo o sukoshi hanashimasu ka?
Excuse me, do you speak a little English?
A polite way to ask for help in your native tongue.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to say 'I speak a little'.
Watashi wa nihongo o ___ hanashimasu.
'Sukoshi' means a little, while 'takusan' means a lot and 'zenzen' means not at all.
Complete the sentence to ask a friend for a quick chat.
Ima ___ hanasu?
'Sukoshi' fits the context of asking for a small amount of time to talk.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of Speaking
Talking to friends or pets.
Sukoshi hanasu.
Standard polite conversation.
Sukoshi hanashimasu.
Business or respectful requests.
O-hanashi shimasu.
When to say 'Sukoshi Hanasu'
Language Skills
Explaining you're a beginner.
Workplace
Asking for a quick update.
Socializing
Catching up with a friend.
Travel
Asking if staff speak English.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means 'a little' or 'a small amount'. It can refer to quantity, time, or degree.
It is the verb for 'to speak' or 'to talk'. In its dictionary form, it is used with friends or family.
Not quite. You should use the polite form sukoshi hanashimasu or o-hanashi dekimasu ka to be safe.
Yes! Just add the language name before it, like Eigo o sukoshi hanasu (I speak a little English).
Sukoshi is slightly more formal and often used in writing. Chotto is very common in casual speech.
You use the potential form: sukoshi hanasemasu. This is very common when discussing language ability.
Absolutely. It's a great way to ask a friend if they have a second to chat on the phone.
Usually, yes. If you say you speak it, people assume you understand it at a similar level.
Then you should say zenzen hanasemasen (I can't speak it at all). But if you know this phrase, you already speak sukoshi!
In Osaka, people might use shotto or other dialects, but sukoshi hanasu is understood everywhere in Japan.
Related Phrases
少し分かる
To understand a little.
ちょっと話そう
Let's talk for a bit (casual).
日本語が上手
Good at Japanese (a common compliment you'll receive).
お話し中
In the middle of talking/Busy.
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