Translation guide
How to express stating your opinion in Japanese, from formal declarations to casual remarks.
To formally state or express one's opinion, often in meetings, debates, or official contexts.
Standard formal phrase meaning 'to state one's opinion'. Suitable for business, academic, or official settings.
会議で意見を述べた。
I stated my opinion at the meeting.
More formal, often used for public declarations or official statements.
政府はその問題について意見を表明した。
The government stated its opinion on the issue.
Very formal, used in official reports or expert opinions. '所見' means findings or views.
専門家として所見を述べさせていただきます。
Allow me to state my opinion as an expert.
To casually give your opinion in everyday conversation.
The most common way to say 'I think...' in casual speech. Attach to a clause.
それはいいアイデアだと思う。
I think that's a good idea.
Literally 'to say one's opinion'. Neutral and can be used in both casual and semi-formal contexts.
遠慮なく意見を言ってください。
Please state your opinion without hesitation.
Means 'to say one's thoughts/opinion'. Slightly softer than 意見を言う.
自分の考えを言ってもいいですか。
May I state my opinion?
To state an opinion firmly or assertively.
Means 'to assert' or 'to insist'. Used when you want to emphasize your stance.
彼は自分の無実を主張した。
He asserted his innocence.
Literally 'to state one's opinion strongly'. Used when you want to emphasize the forcefulness.
彼女は会議で強く意見を述べた。
She strongly stated her opinion at the meeting.
To humbly or politely offer your opinion, often in formal situations or when showing respect.
Humble form of 'to state an opinion'. Used when speaking to superiors or in very formal settings.
私の意見を申し上げます。
Allow me to state my opinion.
Very formal and humble. Often used in speeches or formal addresses.
この場をお借りして、ご意見を申し述べます。
Taking this opportunity, I would like to state my opinion.
The English verb 'state' often implies a formal declaration. In Japanese, simply using 言う (to say) or 述べる (to express) with 意見 is usually sufficient. Overusing formal phrases like 表明する can sound stiff in casual conversation.
述べる is more formal and often used in written or prepared statements. 言う is general and can be used in any context. For 'state one's opinion', 意見を述べる is standard in formal settings, while 意見を言う is fine for everyday use.
彼は明確に意見を述べた。
He stated his opinion clearly.
この件について意見を述べたいと思います。
I'd like to state my opinion on this matter.