叙述する

• Reading: じょじゅつする
• Romaji: jojutsu suru
• Kanji breakdown: 叙 (jo) — to narrate, to arrange | 述 (jutsu) — to state, to describe
• Pronunciation: /dʑo.dʑɯ.tsɯ sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To describe; to narrate; to give an account of something in detail.

A suru-verb derived from the noun 叙述 (description, narration). Combines 叙 (to narrate, to bestow) and 述 (to state, to describe). Used in academic, literary, and legal contexts to describe the systematic verbal representation of events, conditions, or facts. The noun 叙述 also appears in literary criticism as 叙述的 (descriptive) contrasted with 説明的 (explanatory).

Examples

1. 論文では観察した事実を客観的に叙述することが基本とされる。 In academic papers, objectively describing observed facts is considered fundamental.
2. 彼女は複雑な心情を繊細な言葉で叙述し、読者の共感を呼んだ。 She described her complex emotions in delicate language and struck a chord with readers.
3. 叙述の仕方によっては、同じ出来事でも印象がまったく異なってくる。 Depending on how something is narrated, the very same event can leave an entirely different impression.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, literature, law, journalism

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 叙 (jo) meaning 'to narrate, to arrange in order' and 述 (jutsu) meaning 'to state, to describe'. The character 叙 includes the radical for steps or sequence, suggesting an ordered rendering of events.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated