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言う

Meanings, readings, and example sentences for the Japanese word 言う

云う
謂う
Godan verb
Freq #27
1

Transitive verb

to say; to utter; to declare

Examples
「みんなひと休みしようぜ」とジョンは言った
John said, "Hey guys, let's take a break."
2

Transitive verb

to name; to call

Examples
この動物は日本語で何と言いますか。
What do you call this animal in Japanese?
3

言う only; Intransitive verb

to go (e.g. "the alarm went ping"); to make a noise

Kanji in this Word

7 strokes
Frequency: 83
JLPT N4
Grade 2

Meanings

say
word

Readings

On — Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
ゲン
ゴン
Kun — Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
い.う
こと
Nanori — Specialized readings used in names
とき
4 strokes
Grade 9

Meanings

say

Readings

On — Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
ウン
Kun — Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
い.う
ここに
16 strokes
Grade 9

Meanings

reason
origin
history
oral tradition

Readings

On — Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
Kun — Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
い.う
いい
おも.う
いわゆる
📝

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