語る

kataru
verbIntermediate
formalinformal

To tell or narrate a story, experience, or information; to speak about something in detail.

祖母は昔の話を語ってくれた。

My grandmother told me stories from the past.

歴史を語る古い建物

An old building that tells the story of history.

💡

Often used in formal or narrative contexts, such as storytelling, interviews, or historical accounts.

literary

To express or convey a message, idea, or emotion through words or actions.

その絵は愛を語っている。

The painting speaks of love.

💡

Used in a more abstract or poetic sense, often in literature or art criticism.

Collocations

語るto tell語り部storyteller語り継ぐto pass down (stories)

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

語り部phrase
storyteller
語り継ぐphrase
to pass down (stories)

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

While '語る' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is often more formal and narrative in tone. For casual conversation, '話す' (hanasu) is more common.

Gold Rule

Narrative Context

Use '語る' when the focus is on storytelling, historical accounts, or conveying detailed information.

📖Word Origin

From the verb '語る' (kataru), derived from the noun '語' (koto, meaning 'word' or 'speech').

📝Usage Notes

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but often carries a sense of storytelling or conveying important information.

Word Breakdown

word, speech
root
+
verb ending (indicates action)
suffix
和英辞典