しゃべる

しゃべる

to talk, to chat, to chatter (same as 話す (はなす))

JLPT N3

Meaning and Usage

The verb しゃべる is an informal way to say "to talk" or "to chat." It often implies casual or lively conversation, sometimes with a nuance of chatting or chattering. It is similar in meaning to 話す (はなす) but is more colloquial and commonly used in everyday speech.

Common Contexts

しゃべる is frequently used when describing casual conversations among friends or informal settings. It can also be used to tell someone to stop talking, especially in contexts like classrooms or meetings.

Collocations and Patterns

  • ずっとしゃべる: to keep talking continuously
  • 早くしゃべる: to talk fast
  • 授業中にしゃべる: to talk during class (usually discouraged)

Register and Nuance

しゃべる is informal and should be avoided in formal or polite contexts. For polite speech, 話す or お話しする are preferred.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse しゃべる with 話す, but しゃべる carries a more casual, sometimes playful or chatty nuance. Avoid using しゃべる in formal writing or speech.

Example Sentences

かれはともだちとずっとしゃべっていた。

He was chatting with his friends the whole time.

じゅぎょうちゅうにしゃべるのはやめなさい。

Stop talking during class.

かのじょはとてもはやくしゃべるので、ききとりにくい。

She talks very fast, so it's hard to understand her.