Translation guide
How to express 'comment on' in Japanese, from making a remark to giving feedback or criticism.
To say something about a topic, often in conversation or informal writing.
The most direct equivalent, using the loanword コメント. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
その問題についてコメントしてください。
Please comment on that issue.
He commented on the new policy.
More formal; literally 'state an opinion about'. Used in meetings, reports, or official statements.
専門家がその報告書について意見を述べた。
The expert commented on the report.
Means 'to mention' or 'to refer to'. Often used in formal or academic contexts.
社長はその噂について言及しなかった。
The president didn't comment on the rumor.
Literally 'to touch on'. Implies a brief or casual mention. Common in presentations or articles.
彼はその話題に軽く触れた。
He briefly commented on the topic.
To provide an evaluation, often in a professional or editorial context.
Used for critical commentary, such as reviewing a work of art, literature, or performance.
評論家がその映画について批評した。
The critic commented on the movie.
Formal term for giving an official review or commentary, often in competitions or examinations.
審査員が作品について講評した。
The judges commented on the entries.
To write a short explanatory note on a document or text.
Specifically for adding annotations or footnotes to a text.
編集者が原稿に注釈を付けた。
The editor commented on the manuscript.
Casual way to say 'add a comment', often used in digital contexts like documents or social media.
この文にコメントを付けてください。
Please comment on this sentence.
To decline to make a statement, often in official or media contexts.
The standard phrase for 'no comment'. Widely understood and used in Japanese.
その質問にはノーコメントです。
I have no comment on that question.
More formal way to say 'refrain from commenting'.
詳細についてはコメントを控えます。
I will refrain from commenting on the details.
While についてコメントする is common, overusing it can sound unnatural. In many cases, Japanese speakers simply use と言う (to say) or について話す (to talk about) when the context is clear.
彼はその問題について話した。
He commented on the issue. (more natural in casual speech)
コメントする is a general, neutral term for commenting. 意見を述べる implies a more thoughtful or formal opinion. Use コメントする for everyday remarks, and 意見を述べる for structured feedback.