Translation guide
How to refer to a speaker in Japanese, depending on context: a person giving a speech, a device that produces sound, or the person currently talking.
To refer to the person who is speaking to an audience, such as at a conference, ceremony, or class.
Formal term for a speaker, especially in academic or public speaking contexts. Often used in written descriptions or formal introductions.
To refer to a loudspeaker, speaker system, or the part of a device that emits audio.
To refer to the person who is speaking in a conversation or dialogue, often in linguistic or narrative contexts.
While スピーカー is common in speech, in formal written contexts like academic papers, 話者 is preferred for a person giving a speech.
本稿では話者の意図を分析する。
In this paper, we analyze the speaker's intention.
The next speaker is Professor Yamada.
Loanword from English, commonly used for a speaker at an event, especially in casual or business settings. Can also mean a loudspeaker.
今日のスピーカーは有名な作家です。
Today's speaker is a famous author.
Refers to a performer or presenter, often in entertainment or stage contexts. Less common for formal speeches.
演者は舞台に上がった。
The performer went up on stage.
The standard term for a loudspeaker or speaker system. Used for standalone speakers, built-in phone speakers, etc.
このスピーカーは音がいい。
This speaker has good sound.
スマホのスピーカーが壊れた。
My smartphone's speaker broke.
Refers to a megaphone or public address loudspeaker, often used for announcements or crowd control. Not for home audio.
警察が拡声器で指示を出した。
The police gave instructions through a loudspeaker.
Common term for the speaker in a conversation, as opposed to the listener. Used in linguistics and everyday descriptions.
話し手と聞き手の関係が大切です。
The relationship between the speaker and the listener is important.
Refers to a person who makes a statement or remark, often in a meeting or discussion. More formal than 話し手.
発言者は手を挙げてください。
Those who wish to speak, please raise your hand.
In Japanese, the speaker is often not explicitly mentioned when it's clear from context. Instead of saying 'the speaker', use context or the first-person pronoun if you are the speaker.
（私は）そう思います。
I think so. (as the speaker)