話し合う

• Reading: はなしあう
• Romaji: hanashiau
• Kanji breakdown: 話 (hanashi) — talk, story; 合 (au) — mutual, together
• Pronunciation: /ha.na.ɕi.a.ɯ/

Meaning

To discuss; to talk together. To have a conversation aimed at reaching mutual understanding or agreement.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb formed from 話す (to speak) + 合う (to do mutually). The 合う suffix adds reciprocity — both parties participate equally. Used from casual to formal settings. The noun form 話し合い (discussion/negotiation) is equally common. Conjugation follows 合う: 話し合って, 話し合った, 話し合える.

Examples

1. 家族で旅行の計画を話し合った。 We discussed our travel plans as a family.
2. 問題があったら、まず話し合うことが大切だ。 If there's a problem, the important thing is to talk it out first.
3. チームで新しいプロジェクトについて話し合っている。 The team is discussing the new project.

Usage Guide

Context: family, workplace, relationships

Tone: cooperative

Origin & History

Compound verb combining 話す (hanasu, to speak) and 合う (au, to meet/mutually do). The pattern verb+合う is productive in Japanese, creating reciprocal actions.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal