公言

• Reading: こうげん
• Romaji: kougen
• Kanji breakdown: 公 (kou) — public, open | 言 (gen) — words, declaration
• Pronunciation: /koː.ɡen/

Meaning

Public declaration; avowal; openly stating something before others.

A noun and suru-verb (公言する) combining 公 (public, open) and 言 (words). Differs from 宣言 (formal proclamation) in that 公言 tends to describe personal statements made openly rather than official announcements. Carries a nuance of committing oneself openly, with the implication that others will hold you to it. Can be used neutrally or with admiration.

Examples

1. 彼は自分が無実だと公言し続けたが、証拠がなければ信じてもらえなかった。 He kept publicly declaring his innocence, but without evidence, no one would believe him.
2. 社長が引退を公言した翌日、株価が大きく動いた。 The day after the CEO publicly announced his retirement, the stock price moved sharply.
3. 自分の欠点を公言できる人は、本当の意味で自信を持っている。 A person who can openly acknowledge their own flaws is someone with true confidence.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, business, personal declaration, journalism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 公 (kou) meaning 'public, open' and 言 (gen) meaning 'words, declaration'. The character 公 carries the sense of something before an audience or the wider world rather than said in private.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: General