Translation guide
A monologue is a long speech by one person, often in a play, film, or story, or a situation where one person dominates a conversation. Japanese has several words for this, depending on context.
A long speech by a single character in a play, film, or performance, often revealing inner thoughts.
The most direct equivalent for a theatrical monologue. It implies a character speaking their thoughts aloud, often alone on stage.
Hamlet's monologue is famous.
Loanword from English, used in theatrical or literary contexts. Often interchangeable with 独白 but can sound more modern or Western.
Her monologue moved the audience.
Literally 'one-person telling', used for a narrative delivered by a single performer, often in traditional storytelling or rakugo.
His monologue is in a traditional style.
A situation where one person talks at length without letting others speak, dominating the conversation.
Describes the act of talking without listening to others. It's a common way to say someone is monologuing in a conversation.
He always talks without listening to others.
Literally 'solo performance', used humorously to describe someone who turns a conversation into a monologue.
Means 'to talk as if to oneself', implying the speaker is not engaging with others.
Speaking one's thoughts aloud when alone, or inner speech.
独白 (dokuhaku) is the standard term for a theatrical monologue. モノローグ (monorōgu) is a loanword often used in modern or Western contexts. 独り言 (hitorigoto) is for everyday self-talk, not usually for performances.
Don't use モノローグ for everyday one-sided conversations; it sounds unnatural. Use 一方的に話す or describe the situation instead.
His talking is like a one-man show.
He kept talking as if to himself.
Talking to yourself can relieve stress.
The novel progresses through the protagonist's internal monologue.