修辞

• Reading: しゅうじ
• Romaji: shūji
• Kanji breakdown: 修 (shū) — cultivate, refine; 辞 (ji) — word, expression
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯː.dʑi/

Meaning

Rhetoric; rhetorical expression; the art of using language skillfully and persuasively.

A noun referring to the craft of using language ornately and effectively. In Japanese literary studies, 修辞 encompasses figures of speech such as metaphor (比喩), personification (擬人法), and parallelism. It appears in compounds like 修辞学 (rhetoric as a discipline) and 修辞的 (rhetorical, ornate).

Examples

1. この詩は修辞を巧みに用いており、言葉の選び方一つひとつに深い意図がある。 This poem employs rhetoric with great skill, and there is deep intent behind every word choice.
2. 弁護士の陳述は修辞に富み、陪審員の心を強く揺さぶった。 The lawyer's statement was rich in rhetoric and moved the jury powerfully.
3. 古典的な修辞の技法を現代文に応用する試みが注目されている。 Attempts to apply classical rhetorical techniques to modern prose are drawing attention.

Usage Guide

Context: literary criticism, linguistics, rhetoric

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A Sino-Japanese compound combining 修 (shū, cultivate/refine) and 辞 (ji, word/expression). Corresponds to the Western concept of rhetoric, with formal study of 修辞 in Japan influenced by both classical Chinese rhetorical tradition and Western academic rhetoric.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated