語り
Meanings
Refers to the act or style of telling something aloud. It can mean ordinary spoken telling, or a performed recital/storytelling style in arts and entertainment.
His way of speaking has a distinctive rhythm.
The audience was drawn in by the storyteller's recital.
narration; narrative voice
Used for the narration or narrative voice in a film, documentary, novel, game, or similar work.
This film proceeds through the protagonist's narration.
topic; subject of talk
Uncommon as a general equivalent of 'topic'; in everyday Japanese, 話題 is usually the safer word. This sense is best understood as the subject matter of a telling or discussion.
Using 語り to mean 'topic' is uncommon; in everyday conversation people usually say 話題.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉の語りを担当するto be in charge of the narration for something (a film, documentary, etc.)
A famous actor did the narration for that documentary.
- 〈人〉の語りに聞き入るto be absorbed in listening to someone's storytelling
The audience was absorbed in the old woman's storytelling.
- 語りが入るnarration/voice-over comes in (during a scene)
A quiet narration comes in partway through the footage.