語録

• Reading: ごろく
• Romaji: goroku
• Kanji breakdown: 語 (go) — speech, words; 録 (roku) — record, register
• Pronunciation: /ɡo.ɾo.kɯ/

Meaning

Collection of sayings; analects; recorded utterances. A compiled record of the notable words and teachings of a thinker, master, or historical figure.

A noun for a genre of text that records the sayings and teachings of an eminent person, similar in concept to the English 'analects.' The most famous example is the 論語 (Analects of Confucius). In modern usage, 語録 can refer to any collected quotations — from a business leader's speeches to a famous writer's aphorisms — reflecting an interest in preserving significant utterances for posterity.

Examples

1. 孔子の言葉をまとめた論語は、儒学の最重要語録として東アジア全域で読まれてきた。 The Analerta, a compilation of Confucius's words, has been read across all of East Asia as the most important collection of Confucian sayings.
2. この詩人の語録には、芸術と人生に関する鋭い洞察が随所に収められている。 This poet's collected sayings contain keen insights on art and life scattered throughout.
3. 偉人の語録を繰り返し読む中で、自分なりの人生の指針を見つける人は多い。 Many people find their own guiding principles in life by reading the sayings of great figures repeatedly.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, literature, religion, biography

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 語 (go, speech/words) and 録 (roku, record/register). Borrowed from Classical Chinese, where 語錄 referred specifically to the recorded dialogues and teachings of Chan (Zen) Buddhist masters, later broadened to include any collection of notable sayings.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated