Japanese word

言論

Pronunciation

Romajigenron

Meaning

  • nounspeech

Example

自由な言論は大切です。ji yū na gen ron wa tai setsu de su

Free speech is important.

Illustration for 言論 (speech)

More examples

インターネット上では、さまざまな言論が飛び交っています。i n tā ne tto jō de wa sa ma za ma na gen ron ga to bi ka tte i ma su

All kinds of opinions are exchanged on the internet.

Core concept

Refers to the public sharing and discussion of ideas and opinions through spoken or written language.

Common phrases

  • 言論の自由gen ron no ji yū

    freedom of speech

  • 言論を封じるgen ron o fū ji ru

    suppress speech

Similar words

発言hatsugen: A statement made by a person in speech or writing.
言説gensetsu: A body of ideas expressed through language in public or academic discussion.
弁論benron: A formal spoken argument made in public or in court.

Definition in Japanese

社会で意見や主張を公に述べたり論じたりすること。sha kai de i ken ya shu chō o ōyake ni no be ta ri ron ji ta ri su ru ko to

Word origin

言 (gen, "word" or "speech") combines with 論 (ron, "discussion" or "argument") to form a Sino-Japanese compound for public expression of ideas.

Usage tips

  • For advanced learners, 言論 (genron) is a useful marker of formal register because newspapers and essays use it more readily than ordinary conversation does.

Other meanings

  • discoursenoun
  • expression of viewsnoun

Related words

  • 言論家genronkacommentatornoun
  • 言論人genronninpublic intellectualnoun

Word lists with this word