Translation guide
The English word "articulation" covers several distinct concepts: clear pronunciation, the physical act of speaking, the connection of bones or parts in anatomy/mechanics, and the expression of ideas. This guide focuses on the most common learner needs—expressing clear speech and the act of enunciating—while also covering technical and figurative uses.
Referring to the clarity with which someone pronounces words or sounds.
The most common and general word for pronunciation. Often used with adjectives like 明瞭な (clear) or 良い (good) to specify clarity.
Specifically refers to clarity of speech, often used in contexts like voice acting, singing, or public speaking. Implies good enunciation and lack of mumbling.
滑舌が悪いと聞き取りにくい。
If your articulation is poor, it's hard to understand.
アナウンサーは滑舌が良い。
Announcers have good articulation.
A technical term for 'articulation score' or 'intelligibility', used in audiology, speech therapy, or telecommunications.
この電話の明瞭度は高い。
The articulation of this phone is high.
The physical or mental process of forming words and expressing thoughts.
Refers to vocalization or voice production. Often used in singing, acting, or speech training.
発声練習をする。
Do articulation exercises.
A phrase meaning 'putting into words'. Used when emphasizing the expression of thoughts or feelings.
感情を言葉にすることが難しい。
Articulating feelings is difficult.
A technical term for the physical production of speech sounds, used in linguistics and speech pathology.
構音障害がある。
Have an articulation disorder.
A place where two bones or parts meet and move.
The standard word for a joint in the body (e.g., knee, elbow).
指の関節が痛い。
The articulation of my finger hurts.
A more general term for a junction or connection point, used in mechanics or engineering.
ロボットの腕の接合部。
The articulation of the robot arm.
A technical term for linkage or connection, often used in anatomy or engineering.
The ability to express thoughts or ideas clearly and effectively.
Means 'clarification' or 'making explicit'. Used when someone articulates a concept clearly.
彼の考えの明確化が必要だ。
Articulation of his ideas is necessary.
A phrase meaning 'stating clearly'. Natural in everyday conversation.
自分の意見をはっきり述べることが大切だ。
Articulating your opinion clearly is important.
General word for 'expression'. Can be used for articulation of ideas, but is broader.
発音 is the general term for pronunciation, including accent and sound accuracy. 滑舌 specifically refers to the clarity and fluency of speech, often used in performance contexts. If someone mumbles, you say 滑舌が悪い, not 発音が悪い (which could mean their accent is wrong).
彼は発音は正しいが、滑舌が悪い。
His pronunciation is correct, but his articulation is poor.
The loanword アーティキュレーション exists but is extremely rare and technical (mainly in music or linguistics). Avoid it in normal conversation; use the Japanese terms above instead.
骨の連接部分。
The articulation of bones.
感情の表現が上手だ。
Good at articulation of emotions.