Japanese word

唱える

Pronunciation

Romajitonaeru

Meaning

  • verbchant

Example

みんなで声を合わせてお経を唱えます。mi n na de koe o a wa se te o kyō o tona e ma su

We chant sutras together.

Illustration for 唱える (chant)

More examples

先生のあとに続いて、短い詩を唱えます。sen sei no a to ni tsuzu i te mijika i shi o tona e ma su

The children recite a short poem after the teacher.

Core concept

To say fixed words aloud with a steady rhythm, especially when several people speak them together or use them in worship.

Common phrases

  • お経を唱えるo kyō o tona e ru

    chant sutras

  • 呪文を唱えるju mon o tona e ru

    chant a spell

  • 声を合わせて唱えるkoe o a wa se te tona e ru

    chant in unison

Similar words

詠唱するeishōsuru: To recite words in a set rhythm, often as part of a religious practice.
暗唱するanshōsuru: To say a passage aloud from memory without looking at the text.
唱和するshōwasuru: To say words aloud together in response to a leader or another group.
朗誦するrōshōsuru: To recite written words aloud in a clear, expressive voice.

Definition in Japanese

一定の文句や経文を、節をつけたり声をそろえたりして言う。it tei no mon ku ya kyō mon o fushi o tsu ke ta ri koe o so ro e ta ri shi te yū

Word origin

唱える (tonaeru, "to chant") is a native Japanese verb that developed from the older form 唱ふ (tonafu, "to chant"), which meant saying words aloud.

Usage tips

  • English speakers hear chant in both religious settings and stadiums, where groups repeat the same words in a rhythm.

Other meanings

  • reciteverb

Related words

  • 唱え方tonaekataway of chantingnoun

Word lists with this word