Translation guide
How to express the idea of an 'utterance' in Japanese, from spoken words to statements and linguistic units.
To refer to something that someone says, especially a single spoken phrase or remark.
To refer to the act of producing speech sounds or expressing something verbally.
To refer to an utterance as a unit of speech in linguistics or language study.
The standard linguistic term for an utterance as a unit of spoken language.
発言 is for a remark or statement, often in a meeting or public setting. 発話 is a technical term for a spoken utterance in linguistics. 言葉 is the most general and can mean word, language, or speech.
A general term for a spoken statement or remark, often used in formal or public contexts.
彼の発言は会議の流れを変えた。
His utterance changed the course of the meeting.
A very common word for 'word' or 'words', often used for something spoken. Can be more casual than 発言.
その言葉に勇気づけられた。
I was encouraged by those words (that utterance).
Literally 'one word', used for a brief remark or utterance.
彼は一言も発しなかった。
He didn't utter a single word.
Refers to the physical act of producing voice or vocalization.
発声練習をする。
Do vocal exercises (utterance practice).
A linguistic term for the act of speaking or an utterance, often used in academic contexts.
発話の意図を理解する。
Understand the intention of the utterance.
A common phrase meaning 'to utter aloud' or 'to vocalize'.
考えを声に出してみて。
Try uttering your thoughts aloud.
この発話は文法的に正しくない。
This utterance is not grammatically correct.
More abstract, referring to discourse or a body of utterances, often in philosophical or critical contexts.
彼の言説は社会に影響を与えた。
His utterances (discourse) influenced society.