What is the difference between "発言する", "話しかける", "話し掛ける", "代弁する"?

"発言する" means "to speak; to make a statement; to comment", "話しかける" means "to speak to, to address (someone)", "話し掛ける" means "speak to, accost", "代弁する" means "speak for, represent".

Quadruple VS

Synonym Boundary: "発言する", "話しかける", "話し掛ける", "代弁する"

All represent the core concept "speak", but require precise selection.

Japanese Option A

発言する

はつげんする (hatsugen suru)

N3 / CEFR

Japanese Option B

話しかける

はなしかける (hanashikakeru)

N3 / CEFR

Japanese Option C

話し掛ける

はなしかける (hanashikakeru)

B2 / CEFR

Japanese Option D

代弁する

だいべんする (daibensuru)

C1 / CEFR

Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences

When expressing "speak" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "発言する", "話しかける", "話し掛ける", "代弁する" based on context.

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..
話しかける (はなしかける (hanashikakeru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to speak to, to address (someone)" and is used when 人に向かって会話を始める、声をかけるという意味合いが強いです。相手に何かを伝えようとするときに使います。.
話し掛ける (はなしかける (hanashikakeru) - Level: B2): Maps to "speak to, accost" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus..
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..

Mixing these up can easily lead to unnatural translations. Refer to the bilingual context cards below to master the boundaries!

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 "話しかける"

知らない人に話しかけるのは、少し勇気がいります。

It takes a little courage to speak to a stranger.

Context for "話し掛ける"

私は話し掛けるに興味があります。

I am interested in speak to, accost.

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.

Synonym Mastery Challenge

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "会議で自分の意見を発言した。" (Meaning: "I expressed my opinion at the meeting.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "発言する" is correct here because it represents "to speak; to make a statement; to comment" in the context: "I expressed my opinion at the meeting.".