Translation guide
A speech or lecture open to the general public, often on a specific topic. Japanese uses different words depending on formality, setting, and whether it's a lecture, a talk, or a public address.
A formal or semi-formal talk given to a public audience, often by an expert or invited speaker.
The most common word for a formal public lecture or speech, often by a specialist. Used for events like university lectures open to the public, keynote speeches, or invited talks.
昨日、環境問題についての講演を聞きに行った。
Yesterday I went to hear a public talk on environmental issues.
彼の講演はとても分かりやすかった。
His public talk was very easy to understand.
Literally 'open course/lecture'. Often used for a series of public talks or a course open to the community, typically by a university or cultural institution.
大学の公開講座に参加した。
I attended a public talk (as part of an open lecture series) at the university.
A talk or lecture, often with a moral or educational purpose. Slightly more formal and sometimes used for talks at schools, companies, or community centers.
校長先生の講話を聞いた。
We listened to the principal's talk.
Loanword from English. Used for a speech, often at ceremonies or events. Less formal than 講演 and can imply a shorter, more personal address.
結婚式でスピーチを頼まれた。
I was asked to give a speech at the wedding.
A less formal gathering where someone speaks and interacts with the audience, like a talk at a café or community event.
Loanword from English 'talk'. Used for informal public talks, often with a conversational style, such as artist talks, book talks, or talk events.
今週末、本屋で著者のトークイベントがある。
This weekend there's a talk event by the author at the bookstore.
A round-table discussion or talk session, often with multiple speakers and audience interaction. More structured than a casual talk.
The act or art of speaking in front of an audience, often in contexts like presentations, debates, or announcements.
Literally 'speaking in front of people'. The most natural way to refer to public speaking as an activity or skill.
人前で話すのは緊張する。
I get nervous about public speaking.
A formal speech or address, often political or ceremonial. Can imply a grand, rhetorical style.
政治家の演説を聞いた。
I listened to the politician's public address.
Also used for the skill of giving speeches, e.g., in contests or classes.
講演 (kōen) is a formal lecture, often academic or expert-led. スピーチ (supīchi) is a speech, often at ceremonies or events, and can be personal. トーク (tōku) is an informal talk, often conversational and interactive. Choose based on formality and setting.
直訳の「公の話」や「公共の話」は不自然です。必ず上記の適切な単語を使ってください。 (Literal translations like '公の話' or '公共の話' are unnatural. Always use the appropriate words above.)
彼女は気候変動について講演を行った。
She gave a public talk on climate change.
明日、図書館でトークイベントに参加します。
I'm attending a public talk at the library tomorrow.
A talk event, often used for public discussions or presentations in a relaxed setting.
無料のトークイベントに申し込んだ。
I signed up for a free talk event.
専門家による座談会が開かれた。
A public talk (round-table discussion) by experts was held.
英語のスピーチコンテストに出た。
I participated in an English speech contest.