Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "はなす", "発言する", "代弁する", "舌端火を吐く"
All represent the core concept "speak", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
はなす
はなす (hanasu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
発言する
はつげんする (hatsugen suru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
代弁する
だいべんする (daibensuru)
C1 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
舌端火を吐く
ぜったんひをはく (zettanhiwohaku)
C2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "speak" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "はなす", "発言する", "代弁する", "舌端火を吐く" based on context.
- はなす (はなす (hanasu) - Level: N5): Maps to "to speak, to talk" and is used when Used for general conversation. The polite form is 話します.
- 発言する (はつげんする (hatsugen suru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to speak; to make a statement; to comment" and is used when Refers to making a statement or expressing an opinion, especially in a formal setting like a meeting, debate, or public forum. It implies a deliberate act of speaking..
- 代弁する (だいべんする (daibensuru) - Level: C1): Maps to "speak for, represent" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus..
- 舌端火を吐く (ぜったんひをはく (zettanhiwohaku) - Level: C2): Maps to "to speak with fiery eloquence" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus..
Context for "はなす"
日本語を話しますか？
Do you speak Japanese?
Context for "発言する"
会議で自分の意見を発言した。
I expressed my opinion at the meeting.
Context for "代弁する"
私は代弁するに興味があります。
I am interested in speak for, represent.
Context for "舌端火を吐く"
毎日、日本語を練習するために舌端火を吐く。
Every day, I speak with fiery eloquence to practice Japanese.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "日本語を話しますか？" (Meaning: "Do you speak Japanese?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "はなす" is correct here because it represents "to speak, to talk" in the context: "Do you speak Japanese?".