Translation guide
The English word "recitation" covers several related ideas: reciting a memorized text aloud, a formal oral performance, or a classroom exercise. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the context—whether it's a poetry recital, a student reciting in class, or a religious chant.
The act of reciting something from memory, often with expression, like a poem or a passage.
The most common and general term for reciting something from memory. Used for poetry, famous speeches, or school recitations.
He recited a Shakespeare poem.
We recite haiku in class.
Reading aloud with expression, often from a text. Emphasizes vocal performance rather than memorization. Used for poetry readings or dramatic readings.
I attended a poetry recitation event.
Chanting or reciting in a melodic, traditional style, especially for classical Chinese poetry or waka. Very literary and formal.
To recite Chinese poetry in a classical style.
A planned event where someone recites a literary work before an audience.
The standard term for a public reading or recitation performance. Often used for poetry, stories, or dramatic works.
Her recitation was very moving.
Same as 暗唱, but this kanji form emphasizes reciting from memory. Can be used for a memorized performance.
Oral performance, often used for traditional storytelling like rakugo or kōdan. Not for poetry recitation.
A student reciting answers or lessons in a classroom setting, often as a drill.
Repeating aloud what the teacher said, often used in language classes or drills. Implies repetition rather than original recitation.
Repeat the English sentence after the teacher.
If the student recites from memory, 暗唱 is appropriate. For example, reciting multiplication tables or a memorized passage.
Reading aloud, often used in school settings. Not necessarily from memory, but common for practicing reading.
Reciting sacred texts or prayers in a religious context.
Chanting Buddhist sutras. The standard term for recitation in a Buddhist context.
The monk began the sutra recitation.
To chant or recite (a prayer, mantra, or slogan). Used for Shinto prayers (norito) or Buddhist mantras.
Specifically the recitation of the nembutsu (Namu Amida Butsu) in Pure Land Buddhism.
暗唱 (anshō) means reciting from memory without looking at a text. 朗読 (rōdoku) means reading aloud with expression, often while looking at the text. If you memorize a poem and recite it, use 暗唱. If you read a story dramatically from a book, use 朗読.
He can recite the Hyakunin Isshu from memory.
She read the story aloud (with expression).
If you want to emphasize that the recitation is from memory, avoid 朗読. Use 暗唱 instead. 朗読 implies reading from a text, even if performed dramatically.
暗誦大会で優勝した。
I won the recitation contest.
講談の口演を聞きに行った。
I went to hear a recitation of a traditional story.
九九を暗唱する。
Recite the multiplication tables.
教科書を音読してください。
Please read the textbook aloud.
お経を唱える。
To chant a sutra.
念仏を唱える。
To recite the nembutsu.