話 （ワ） counter for stories, episodes of TV series, etc.

話題 （ワダイ） topic, subject, much talked about, topical, in the news, hot

懇話 （コンワ） friendly talk, chat

秘話 （ヒワ） secret story, unknown episode

話す （はなす） to talk, to speak, to converse, to chat, to tell, to explain, to narrate, to mention, to describe, to discuss, to speak (a language)

話 （はなし） talk, speech, chat, conversation, topic, subject, discussions, negotiation, argument, rumor, talk, hearsay, tale, story, fable, circumstances, particulars

話し合い （はなしあい） discussion, talk, tête-à-tête, conference

いい話 （いいはなし） good story, heartwarming story, good prospect (e.g. marriage, business)

固い話 （かたいはなし） serious topic (of conversation)