How to Say ‘We talk to / check in on’ in Japanese
声をかけます
koe o kake masu
[koh-eh oh kah-keh mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: [声をかけます] literally means "to put a voice on someone," but really means "speak to someone," "check in," or "reach out." In workplace Japanese it often suggests friendly, proactive contact rather than a long conversation.
Phrase Breakdown
声
koe
[koh-eh]
voice; call
Here 声 is used in the expression 声をかける, meaning to speak or call out to someone.
困っている人に声をかけます。
We speak to someone who seems to be having trouble.
を
o
[oh]
object marker
Marks the direct object of the verb.
困っている人に声をかけます。
We speak to someone who seems to be having trouble.
かけ
kake
[kah-keh]
to put; to call out
In this expression, it means to address or call out to someone.
困っている人に声をかけます。
We speak to someone who seems to be having trouble.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending
Formal ending used in polite Japanese speech.
困っている人に声をかけます。
We speak to someone who seems to be having trouble.
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