Nihongo Master Nihongo Master
Pricing Dictionary Blog

Meaning of 言う(いう) in Japanese

Japanese word definition and usage

言う, 云う, 謂う
JLPT 5
Kana Reading
いう, ゆう
Romaji
iu, yū
Word Senses
  • Parts of speech
    Godan verb with `u` ending
    Meaning
    to say
  • Parts of speech
    Meaning
    to call (i.e. to give a name)

Example Sentences

言う, 云う, 謂う, いう, ゆう used in context

Verb Conjugations

Common conjugated forms

Non-Past

Plain
言う
Plain Polite
言います
Negative
言わない
Negative Polite
言いません

Past

Plain
言った
Plain Polite
言いました
Negative
言わなかった
Negative Polite
言いませんでした

Te

Plain
言って
Plain Polite
言いまして
Negative
--
Negative Polite
--

Passive

Plain
言われる
Plain Polite
言われます
Negative
言われない
Negative Polite
言われません

Related Kanji

Kanji found in this word

JLPT 5

say

On: ゲン, ゴン

Kun: い.う, こと

7 strokes

Learn more

say

On: ウン

Kun: い.う, ここに

4 strokes

Learn more

reason, origin, history, oral tradition

On:

Kun: い.う, いい, おも.う, いわゆる

16 strokes

Learn more

Go beyond looking it up

Turn every word you look up into a word you actually know

You found the word. Now make it stick. Nihongo Master connects the dictionary directly to your personal study system so one click is all it takes.

  • Save to personal study lists
  • Drill with spaced repetition until it sticks
  • Print handwriting practice sheets
  • Test yourself with skill quizzes
  • Track progress across every word you study
Start Free 7-Day Trial

No credit card required. Cancel anytime.

Earn with Nihongo Master

Love Japanese? Share it and get paid.

Join the Nihongo Master affiliate program. Share your link and earn 30% on every payment your referrals make, for as long as they stay subscribed.

  • 30% lifetime recurring commission
  • 60-day referral cookie
  • No approval needed — start right away
  • Monthly payouts via PayPal
Learn More About the Program