Translation guide
How to express the idea of an 'utterance' in Japanese, from spoken words to statements and linguistic units.
To refer to something that someone says, especially a single spoken phrase or remark.
A general term for a spoken statement or remark, often used in formal or public contexts.
彼の発言は会議の流れを変えた。
His utterance changed the course of the meeting.
A very common word for 'word' or 'words', often used for something spoken. Can be more casual than 発言.
その言葉に勇気づけられた。
I was encouraged by those words (that utterance).
Literally 'one word', used for a brief remark or utterance.
彼は一言も発しなかった。
He didn't utter a single word.
To refer to the act of producing speech sounds or expressing something verbally.
Refers to the physical act of producing voice or vocalization.
発声練習をする。
Do vocal exercises (utterance practice).
A linguistic term for the act of speaking or an utterance, often used in academic contexts.
A common phrase meaning 'to utter aloud' or 'to vocalize'.
考えを声に出してみて。
Try uttering your thoughts aloud.
To refer to an utterance as a unit of speech in linguistics or language study.
The standard linguistic term for an utterance as a unit of spoken language.
この発話は文法的に正しくない。
This utterance is not grammatically correct.
More abstract, referring to discourse or a body of utterances, often in philosophical or critical contexts.
発言 is for a remark or statement, often in a meeting or public setting. 発話 is a technical term for a spoken utterance in linguistics. 言葉 is the most general and can mean word, language, or speech.
Understand the intention of the utterance.
彼の言説は社会に影響を与えた。
His utterances (discourse) influenced society.