Translation guide
The English verb 'recite' covers several distinct actions in Japanese, from reading aloud and chanting to performing memorized pieces. The best choice depends on what is being recited and the context.
To read a text out loud for an audience or oneself, without necessarily having memorized it.
The most general and natural word for reading a text aloud, especially literature, poetry, or a prepared speech. It implies a clear, expressive delivery.
彼女は詩を朗読した。
She recited a poem.
The children are reciting from the textbook.
Often used in educational settings for reading aloud to practice pronunciation or comprehension. Less performative than 朗読.
生徒は順番に教科書を音読した。
The students took turns reciting the textbook aloud.
To recite something in a rhythmic, often repetitive manner, like sutras, spells, or traditional poetry.
Used for chanting sutras, spells, slogans, or set phrases. Implies a rhythmic, often memorized recitation.
僧侶がお経を唱えた。
The monk recited a sutra.
呪文を唱える。
To recite an incantation.
Specifically for reciting traditional Japanese or Chinese poetry with a distinctive intonation.
漢詩を吟じる。
To recite a Chinese poem.
To repeat something aloud that has been memorized, such as a poem, lines, or a list.
The standard word for reciting from memory. Emphasizes the act of having memorized the content.
彼はシェイクスピアの一節を暗唱した。
He recited a passage from Shakespeare from memory.
子供が九九を暗唱している。
The child is reciting the multiplication tables.
A slightly literary or old-fashioned word for reciting from memory, often used for poetry or classical texts.
To list or enumerate items, facts, or complaints one after another.
Means to enumerate or list items. Used when 'recite' implies going through a list of things.
彼は不満を次々と列挙した。
He recited his complaints one after another.
To read out loud, often used for reading a list or names aloud.
受賞者の名前を読み上げる。
To recite the names of the award winners.
To deliver a memorized piece with dramatic expression, like a monologue or storytelling.
To narrate or tell a story, often with emotion. Can be used for dramatic recitations.
彼女は昔話を情感を込めて語った。
She recited the old tale with great feeling.
Literally 'solo recitation', used in contexts like dramatic monologue performances or poetry recitals.
彼は舞台で長い独唱を披露した。
He performed a long recitation on stage.
The English verb 'recite' covers many situations. Using a single Japanese word for all cases will sound unnatural. Choose the word that matches the specific action: reading aloud, chanting, reciting from memory, listing, or performing.
朗読 is reading aloud with expression, often from a text. 暗唱 is reciting from memory. If you are reading a poem from a book, use 朗読. If you have memorized it, use 暗唱.
彼は長い詩をそらんじた。
He recited a long poem from memory.