Translation and Meaning of: 声明 - seimei

The Japanese word 声明 [せいめい] carries a deep and specific meaning, often used in formal and public contexts. If you are looking to understand its usage, translation, or origin, this article will explore all relevant aspects of this expression, from its composition in kanji to its application in everyday and official situations. Here at Suki Nihongo, we prioritize clear and precise explanations for those who wish to learn Japanese efficiently.

Meaning and use of 声明

声明 is a word that means "statement" or "pronouncement," usually used in formal contexts, such as public speeches, official announcements, or expressions of positioning. Unlike more colloquial terms like 言う (to say), 声明 carries a more solemn and structured tone.

A common example is the use by politicians or companies to announce important decisions. The word also appears in legal and diplomatic contexts, reinforcing its formal nature. Its use is not frequent in everyday life, but it is essential in situations that require clarity and authority.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 声明 is composed of two kanji: 声 (voice, sound) and 明 (clear, bright). Together, they form the idea of "clear voice" or "explicit manifestation," which perfectly reflects its current meaning. This combination is not random—it follows the logic of many Japanese terms that combine radicals to create more complex concepts.

It's worth noting that 声明 is not an ancient word, but its kanji structure refers to classical constructions. Unlike modern terms with foreign origins, it maintains a root deeply connected to Sino-Japanese writing, which makes it interesting for students who wish to understand the evolution of Japanese vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce 声明 is to associate it with specific situations, such as news or official announcements. If you read Japanese newspapers, you'll notice that the word frequently appears in headlines about politics or business. This natural exposure helps internalize its meaning.

Another tip is to practice with flashcards, creating sentences like "会社は新しい声明を発表した" (The company issued a new statement). This type of exercise reinforces not only vocabulary but also the correct application in real contexts. Avoid confusing it with similar words, like 報告 (report) or 発表 (announcement), which have distinct uses.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 宣言 (sengen) - Declaration, generally formal and solemn, of intentions or principles.
• 表明 (hyōmei) - Clear and explicit expression of an opinion or will.
• 告知 (kokuji) - Notification or notice that communicates information to a specific audience.
• 説明 (setsumei) - Explanation or clarification about something in detail.
• 申告 (shinkoku) - Formal declaration of information, often related to legal obligations, such as taxes.
• 報告 (hōkoku) - Report of information, usually reporting results or events to an authority.
• 発表 (happyou) - Presentation of information, commonly used in academic or professional contexts.
• 公表 (kōhyō) - Public disclosure of information, documents, or data relevant to society.

声明

Romaji: seimei
Kana: せいめい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: declaration; affirmation; proclamation

Meaning in English: declaration;statement;proclamation

Definition: To declare something clearly in a document or formal statement.

Example Sentences - (声明) seimei

See below some example sentences:

この声明は真実を伝えるために発表されました。

Kono seimei wa shinjitsu o tsutaeru tame ni happyō sa remashita

This statement was released to convey the truth.

This statement was announced to convey the truth.

• この声明 - this declaration
• は - it is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 真実 - truth
• を - particle that indicates the direct object
• 伝える - transmit
• ために - for
• 発表されました - was announced