Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'narration' depends on context: storytelling, voice-over, or describing events. The most common word is ナレーション (narration in media), while 語り is used for traditional storytelling or personal accounts.
narration (voice-over)
narration (storytelling)
The spoken commentary in films, TV, videos, or presentations.
The standard loanword for 'narration' in media contexts. Used for voice-overs, documentaries, and audio guides.
I did the narration for this video.
Can refer to narration in a more literary or traditional sense, but also used for voice-over in artistic contexts. Less common than ナレーション for modern media.
The act of telling a story or describing events, often in a literary or personal context.
Refers to the act of narrating a story, often with a personal or traditional touch. Used in contexts like folk tales, personal anecdotes, or literary narration.
His narration is always interesting.
A formal, literary term for narration or description. Used in academic or critical contexts, not in everyday speech.
The method or style of telling a story, such as first-person or third-person narration.
ナレーション is specifically for voice-over in media like TV, film, or presentations. 語り is broader, covering traditional storytelling, personal accounts, and sometimes literary narration. For modern media, default to ナレーション.
documentary narration
narration of a folk tale
The narration in the movie was impressive.
この小説の叙述は詳細だ。
The narration in this novel is detailed.
This story progresses with first-person narration.