Translation guide
The English verb 'narrate' can refer to telling a story, providing a spoken commentary for a film or video, or describing events as they happen. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express these meanings.
To tell a story, give an account of events, or describe what happened in a narrative form.
The most common and versatile verb for narrating or telling a story, often with a sense of recounting in detail or with emotion.
彼は自分の経験を語った。
He narrated his experiences.
祖母が昔話を語ってくれた。
My grandmother narrated an old tale for me.
General verb for speaking or telling. It can be used for narrating in a casual sense, but lacks the literary nuance of 語る.
彼は旅行のことを話した。
He narrated (told about) his trip.
Literary or formal verb meaning to tell a tale or to indicate something through narrative. Often used in written language.
この絵は一つの物語を物語っている。
This painting narrates a story.
To speak the narration track that accompanies visuals, such as in a documentary, movie, or video.
The standard way to say 'narrate' in the context of voice-over work. ナレーション is a loanword from English.
彼がドキュメンタリーのナレーションをした。
He narrated the documentary.
Literally 'insert narration', used when adding a voice-over to a video or performance.
映像に語りを入れた。
I narrated over the footage.
To give a live spoken account of an event as it happens, like a sports commentator.
Specifically means to give a live commentary or play-by-play narration of an event.
彼は試合を実況した。
He narrated the match live.
語る (かたる) implies a more structured, often emotional or detailed narration, while 話す (はなす) is a general verb for speaking or telling. Use 語る for storytelling or recounting experiences with depth.
For film or video narration, do not use 語る alone. Use ナレーションをする or 語りを入れる to sound natural.