能弁

• Reading: のうべん
• Romaji: nouben
• Kanji breakdown: 能 (no/yoku) — ability, talent, skill; 弁 (ben) — speech, eloquence
• Pronunciation: /noː.ben/

Meaning

Eloquent; fluent; articulate. The quality of speaking with skill, clarity, and persuasiveness. Often used to describe a gifted public speaker or debater.

A na-adjective and noun serving as the antonym of 訥弁 (inarticulate). 能弁な人 is an eloquent person; 能弁に語る means to speak eloquently. Unlike 多弁 (talkative, often with a negative nuance), 能弁 focuses on quality of expression — not how much one says, but how effectively. Often appears in literary, journalistic, or formal descriptions of speakers.

Examples

1. 能弁な弁護士は陪審員の心を巧みに動かした。 The eloquent lawyer skilfully moved the hearts of the jury.
2. 彼は文章力はあるが、能弁とは言えない。 He has a strong written style, but cannot be called eloquent.
3. 能弁であることと、言葉に誠実であることは別の話だ。 Being eloquent and being sincere in one's words are two different things.

Usage Guide

Context: literary writing, character description, formal oratory, legal contexts

Tone: admiring

Origin & History

From 能 (no — ability, skill, talent) and 弁 (ben — speech, eloquence). The combination conveys the possession of skill in speech — a person who has mastered the art of verbal expression.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated