Translation guide
How to express the act of reciting in Japanese, from memory or reading aloud, in various contexts.
To say something aloud that you have memorized, such as a poem, speech, or lines.
The most direct and common verb for reciting from memory. Used for poems, famous speeches, multiplication tables, etc.
彼はシェイクスピアの詩を暗唱した。
He recited a Shakespeare poem from memory.
A slightly more literary or formal verb meaning to recite from memory. Often used in written contexts.
彼女は教科書の一節をそらんじた。
She recited a passage from the textbook from memory.
A more analytical phrase: 'to say from memory'. Useful when you want to emphasize the memorization aspect.
子供たちは九九を暗記して言える。
The children can recite the multiplication tables from memory.
To read a text out loud, such as a passage, poem, or script.
To read aloud with expression, often used for poetry, stories, or dramatic readings. Implies a performance aspect.
彼女は会場で詩を朗読した。
She recited a poem at the venue (reading aloud).
To read aloud, often in educational settings. Focuses on vocalizing the text, not necessarily performance.
授業で生徒が教科書を音読した。
The students read the textbook aloud in class.
To read out loud, often for an audience or to convey information. Common for announcements or lists.
To chant or recite sutras, prayers, or mantras.
To chant or recite, especially prayers, mantras, or slogans. Used in Buddhist and Shinto contexts.
僧侶がお経を唱えた。
The monk chanted a sutra.
Specifically to chant/recite sutras. A more technical Buddhist term.
毎朝、仏壇の前で読経する。
Every morning, I chant sutras in front of the family altar.
To say a list of items aloud, often from memory or in order.
To enumerate or list items. Not specifically from memory, but often used when reciting a series.
彼は歴代大統領の名前を列挙した。
He recited the names of all the past presidents.
To say by reciting from memory. Can be used for lists, but 暗唱する is more common.
子供が九九を暗唱して言った。
The child recited the multiplication tables from memory.
暗唱する means reciting from memory without looking at the text. 朗読する means reading aloud with expression, usually while looking at the text. Use 暗唱する for memorized recitations and 朗読する for dramatic readings.
彼は詩を暗唱した。
He recited the poem from memory.
彼女は詩を朗読した。
She read the poem aloud (with the text).
If you are reading a text out loud (not from memory), do not use 暗唱する. Use 朗読する, 音読する, or 読み上げる instead.
司会者が名前を読み上げた。
The emcee read out the names.