What is the difference between "発言する", "話し掛ける", "代弁する", "舌端火を吐く"?

"発言する" means "to speak; to make a statement; to comment", "話し掛ける" means "speak to, accost", "代弁する" means "speak for, represent", "舌端火を吐く" means "to speak with fiery eloquence".

Quadruple VS

Synonym Boundary: "発言する", "話し掛ける", "代弁する", "舌端火を吐く"

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

話し掛ける

はなしかける (hanashikakeru)

B2 / 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 "発言する", "話し掛ける", "代弁する", "舌端火を吐く" 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..
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..

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.

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: "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.".