Translation guide
How to express the act of reciting something from memory in Japanese, covering common verbs and phrases for different contexts.
The students recited a passage from the textbook from memory.
Means 'to memorize', but can be used in contexts where recitation is implied, often with '言う' (to say).
彼はその詩を暗記して言った。
He recited the poem from memory.
Literally 'say by heart', a casual phrase for reciting from memory without looking.
彼はスピーチをそらで言った。
He recited the speech from memory.
To perform a recitation, such as in a competition or formal setting.
Means 'to read aloud', but often used for reciting with expression, even from memory, in formal contexts.
彼女は詩の朗読をした。
She gave a recitation of a poem.
Variant kanji for 暗唱, often used in literary or formal contexts.
彼は古典を暗誦した。
He recited a classic from memory.
To recite lines or dialogue, such as in acting or rehearsing.
Common phrase for reciting lines from memory, literally 'memorize and say lines'.
彼は台詞を覚えて言った。
He recited his lines from memory.
Using 暗唱 to specify reciting lines from memory.
彼女は暗唱で長い台詞を言った。
She recited a long line from memory.