朗詠

• Reading: ろうえい
• Romaji: roei
• Kanji breakdown: 朗 (ro) — clear, bright, resonant voice; 詠 (ei) — to chant, compose, recite poetry
• Pronunciation: /ɾoː.eː/

Meaning

The recitation or chanting of poetry, often with musical inflection; intoning classical verses aloud in a ceremonial or artistic manner.

A Sino-Japanese compound noun and suru-verb (朗詠する). 朗詠 refers to the formal or artistic reading aloud of classical poetry, typically with melodic intonation. It has been practised at imperial court ceremonies and in Buddhist rituals since the Heian period, with the 朗詠 (roei) form of court music featuring sung or chanted Chinese and Japanese verse. The term also appears in modern contexts for poetry recitation at literary events. Distinct from 黙読 (silent reading) and from casual reading aloud.

Examples

1. 宮中の儀式では今も古典詩歌の朗詠が行われている。 The chanting of classical poetry continues to take place at imperial court ceremonies today.
2. 詩の朗詠を聞くと、文字で読むだけでは伝わらない響きが感じられる。 Listening to the chanting of a poem, one can feel resonances that cannot be conveyed by reading the text alone.
3. 彼女は高校時代から朗詠に親しみ、全国大会で入賞したこともある。 She has been familiar with poetry chanting since high school and has even won prizes at national competitions.

Usage Guide

Context: court ceremony, classical arts, poetry recitation, traditional performance

Tone: ceremonial, elevated

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 朗 (ro) means clear, bright, or resonant of voice; 詠 (ei) means to compose or chant poetry. Together they describe the act of chanting or reciting poetry in a clear, resonant, and expressive voice.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient-Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Educated