Translation guide
The English verb 'narrate' can refer to telling a story, providing a spoken commentary for a film or video, or describing events as they happen. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express these meanings.
To tell a story, give an account of events, or describe what happened in a narrative form.
The most common and versatile verb for narrating or telling a story, often with a sense of recounting in detail or with emotion.
He narrated his experiences.
My grandmother narrated an old tale for me.
General verb for speaking or telling. It can be used for narrating in a casual sense, but lacks the literary nuance of 語る.
He narrated (told about) his trip.
Literary or formal verb meaning to tell a tale or to indicate something through narrative. Often used in written language.
This painting narrates a story.
To speak the narration track that accompanies visuals, such as in a documentary, movie, or video.
To give a live spoken account of an event as it happens, like a sports commentator.
Specifically means to give a live commentary or play-by-play narration of an event.
He narrated the match live.
語る (かたる) implies a more structured, often emotional or detailed narration, while 話す (はなす) is a general verb for speaking or telling. Use 語る for storytelling or recounting experiences with depth.
For film or video narration, do not use 語る alone. Use ナレーションをする or 語りを入れる to sound natural.