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述べる (のべる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N3 Freq. Frequency Top 2,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
ichidan verb, transitive verb
state ; express ; say ; tell ; mention
General verb for putting thoughts, opinions, facts, or feelings into words, often in a somewhat formal or structured manner. Covers stating, expressing, saying, telling, and mentioning.
He expressed his gratitude.
Written forms 述の べる Usage 95%
Standard kanji spelling; the most common and recommended form.
のべる Usage 5%
宣の べる Usage <1%
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form.
陳の べる Usage <1%
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form.
Similar words 言い う 言う is the most general 'say' and is used in everyday speech. 述べる is more formal and often implies a structured or deliberate expression of thoughts or facts.
話はな す 話す focuses on speaking or telling a story, often in conversation. 述べる is more about stating or expressing content, not necessarily in a dialogue.
説せつ 明めい する 説明する means 'to explain' with a focus on making something clear. 述べる simply states or expresses without necessarily explaining.
Etymology Derived from the verb 伸べる (のべる, 'to stretch out, extend'), with a semantic shift from 'extending words' to 'stating, expressing'. The kanji 述 carries the meaning 'to state, relate'.