証言

• Reading: しょうげん
• Romaji: shōgen
• Kanji breakdown: 証 (shō) — evidence, proof; 言 (gen) — speech, words
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː.ɡe.ɴ/

Meaning

Testimony; evidence; witness statement. An account given under oath or in an official context to establish facts.

A noun and suru-verb (証言する) used in legal proceedings and journalistic contexts. 証言 is the verbal evidence given by a witness (証人) or party to establish facts in a trial or investigation. False 証言 constitutes perjury (偽証罪). The term also appears in historical and political contexts where survivor accounts or whistleblower statements play a role.

Examples

1. 被害者の証言が有罪判決を決定づける重要な証拠となった。 The victim's testimony became the crucial evidence that determined the guilty verdict.
2. 元幹部が法廷で組織の不正を証言し、大きな波紋を呼んだ。 A former executive testified in court about the organization's misconduct, causing a major stir.
3. 歴史的な証言を映像で記録しておくことが後世への責任だ。 Recording historical testimony on video is a responsibility we owe to future generations.

Usage Guide

Context: criminal law, courts, journalism, historical testimony

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From 証 (shō) meaning 'evidence or proof' and 言 (gen) meaning 'words or speech.' The compound denotes spoken proof or a statement given to establish truth.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: All classes