How to say "discuss" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 話し合うはなしあうgodan verb, transitive verbThe everyday word for discussing in the sense of talking something over with others and exchanging views, as when family members or colleagues work out a decision together.
- 論ずるろんずるichidan verb (-zuru), transitive verbCovers 'discuss' in the sense of treating or arguing a topic, as in academic writing or debate; it is the same verb as 論じる in its ずる conjugation.
- 諮るはかるgodan verb, transitive verbDiscusses in the sense of conferring: you take a matter to someone, typically a senior colleague or committee, to seek their judgment or advice rather than simply exchange opinions.
- 論じるろんじるichidan verb, transitive verbThe じる form of 論ずる, with the same meaning: to discuss or deal with a topic by arguing it, as an essayist or lecturer treats a subject.
- 話すはなすgodan verb, transitive verbAlso glossed 'to discuss', but its senses are to tell, explain, narrate, or mention something to someone; for a genuine two-way exchange of views, 話し合う is the word you want.
Choose 「話し合う」 for talking matters over with others, 「諮る」 for taking a matter to someone for advice, 「論じる」 or 「論ずる」 for arguing or treating a topic, and 「話す」 only for telling or explaining.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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