Translation guide
A monologue is a long speech by one person, often in a play, film, or story, or a situation where one person dominates a conversation. Japanese has several words for this, depending on context.
A long speech by a single character in a play, film, or performance, often revealing inner thoughts.
A situation where one person talks at length without letting others speak, dominating the conversation.
Describes the act of talking without listening to others. It's a common way to say someone is monologuing in a conversation.
彼はいつも一方的に話す。
He always talks without listening to others.
Speaking one's thoughts aloud when alone, or inner speech.
独白 (dokuhaku) is the standard term for a theatrical monologue. モノローグ (monorōgu) is a loanword often used in modern or Western contexts. 独り言 (hitorigoto) is for everyday self-talk, not usually for performances.
Don't use モノローグ for everyday one-sided conversations; it sounds unnatural. Use 一方的に話す or describe the situation instead.
The most direct equivalent for a theatrical monologue. It implies a character speaking their thoughts aloud, often alone on stage.
ハムレットの独白は有名だ。
Hamlet's monologue is famous.
Loanword from English, used in theatrical or literary contexts. Often interchangeable with 独白 but can sound more modern or Western.
彼女のモノローグは観客を感動させた。
Her monologue moved the audience.
Literally 'one-person telling', used for a narrative delivered by a single performer, often in traditional storytelling or rakugo.
彼の一人語りは伝統的なスタイルだ。
His monologue is in a traditional style.
Literally 'solo performance', used humorously to describe someone who turns a conversation into a monologue.
彼の話はまるで独演会だ。
His talking is like a one-man show.
Means 'to talk as if to oneself', implying the speaker is not engaging with others.
彼は独り言のように話し続けた。
He kept talking as if to himself.
The most common word for talking to oneself. It can be used for both audible self-talk and the concept of an internal monologue.
彼はよく独り言を言う。
He often talks to himself.
独り言はストレス解消になる。
Talking to yourself can relieve stress.
Literally 'inner voice', used for internal monologue or stream of consciousness.
小説は主人公の内心の声で進む。
The novel progresses through the protagonist's internal monologue.