Translation guide
How to express the idea of articulating thoughts, feelings, or ideas in Japanese, from casual to formal contexts.
To articulate a thought, feeling, or idea verbally or in writing.
The most common and versatile way to say 'put into words'. Literally 'make into words'. Used for both spoken and written expression.
気持ちを言葉にするのは難しい。
It's hard to put my feelings into words.
彼はその経験を言葉にすることができなかった。
He couldn't put that experience into words.
Literally 'express with words'. Slightly more formal or written than 言葉にする. Often used when describing something abstract.
この美しさは言葉で表せない。
This beauty cannot be put into words.
Literally 'put out of the mouth'. Emphasizes the act of speaking something aloud, often something that was previously unspoken.
To express something in a clear, organized, or eloquent manner.
Literally 'verbalize'. Often used in intellectual or professional contexts to mean putting vague ideas into clear language.
自分の考えを言語化する練習をしましょう。
Let's practice putting our thoughts into words.
言葉にする is the everyday expression for 'put into words', suitable for feelings and casual speech. 言語化する is more formal and analytical, often used in business or academic settings when you need to articulate concepts clearly.
Do not directly translate 'put' and 'words' into Japanese as 入れる and 単語. The phrase 'put into words' is idiomatic and requires the expressions above.
A compound verb meaning 'to express in words'. Often used in the potential form 言い表せない (cannot express).
感謝の気持ちを言い表せません。
I cannot put my gratitude into words.
思っていることを口に出して言ってごらん。
Try putting what you're thinking into words.
Specifically means 'put into writing' or 'put into sentences'. Used when the output is written text.
アイデアを文章にしてみてください。
Please try putting your ideas into words (in writing).