hanasete

hanasete is a Japanese word derived from the colloquial form of the verb hanaseru (話せる) meaning “to be able to speak.” The te‑form hanasete (話せて) functions as a request, equivalent to “let me speak” or “allow me to speak.” It is often heard in informal conversation among friends or in media that reflects everyday speech, such as anime, manga, and television drama.

The construction originates from the verb’s causative form hanaseru, which itself comes from the root verb hanasu (話す) “to speak.” Adding the auxiliary verb suru to form the potential expression hanaseru creates the idea of capability. The te‑form of a potential verb is used to ask permission, making hanasete a polite‑yet‑casual way to ask for a speaking opportunity. In written Japanese, the same meaning is spelled with the kana しかせて, but the kanji 話せて is standard.

In popular culture, hanasete is frequently found in titles, such as the 2008 single “Hanasete” by the Japanese rock band Toang, and in lyric lines of several contemporary J‑pop songs. These uses highlight the emotional nuance of longing to express one’s feelings. Online forums and social media occasionally use the term as a conversation starter, with users posting “hanasete” to invite responses or to signal that they have something to say.

Because hanasete is a request, it is usually paired with a polite or polite‑causative ending if the speaker wishes to maintain a respectful tone. For example, 「ちょっと話せて」 (chotto hanasete) means “Can I say something for a moment?” The form is preferred in face‑to‑face dialogue over the more formal 申します話せます (もうしますはいせます) or 可能閣 that might appear in written prose. The word’s simplicity and openness make it a common tool for initiating personal conversation in contemporary Japanese society.