Translation guide
How to express the action of reading text out loud in Japanese, covering common verbs, set phrases, and contextual usage.
To read something out loud for others to hear, or to vocalize written text.
The most direct and common verb for 'read aloud', used in educational and general contexts.
教科書を音読してください。
Please read the textbook aloud.
I read English passages aloud every day.
Literally 'read out in voice', a natural phrase emphasizing vocalization. Often used when contrasting with silent reading.
声に出して読むと、記憶に残りやすい。
Reading aloud helps you remember better.
To read aloud with expression, often for literary works, poetry, or performances. More formal and artistic than 音読.
彼女は詩を朗読した。
She read the poem aloud.
To read something aloud to a group, such as a story, announcement, or presentation.
To read out loud for others, often used for announcements, lists, or documents. Implies a clear, audible delivery.
名前を読み上げます。
I will read the names aloud.
議事録を読み上げてください。
Please read the minutes aloud.
Used for expressive reading of stories or poetry to an audience.
子供たちに絵本を朗読した。
I read a picture book aloud to the children.
To practice pronunciation or fluency by reading text out loud.
The standard term for reading aloud as a study method.
日本語の上達には音読が効果的だ。
Reading aloud is effective for improving Japanese.
To practice by vocalizing, often used in self-study instructions.
例文を声に出して練習しましょう。
Let's practice the example sentences aloud.
Telling someone to read something out loud.
Casual request 'try reading it', often used in classrooms or tutoring.
この段落を読んでみて。
Read this paragraph aloud.
Polite request to read aloud, suitable for formal or classroom settings.
次のページを音読してください。
Please read the next page aloud.
音読 is general 'reading aloud', often for practice or comprehension. 朗読 implies expressive, artistic reading, typically of literature or poetry, and is more formal.
Simply saying 読む (to read) does not specify aloud. To clarify, use 音読する or 声に出して読む.