修辞法

• Reading: しゅうじほう
• Romaji: shūjihō
• Kanji breakdown: 修 (shū) — cultivate; 辞 (ji) — word; 法 (hō) — method, law
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯː.dʑi.hoː/

Meaning

Rhetorical devices; figures of speech; specific techniques of stylistic expression in language.

A more specific term than 修辞, referring to the particular techniques and methods used to achieve rhetorical effect. Includes devices such as alliteration (頭韻法), repetition (反復法), antithesis (対句法), and hyperbole (誇張法). Studied in both classical and modern Japanese literary education as well as in composition classes.

Examples

1. 授業では比喩や擬人法など、さまざまな修辞法を学んだ。 In class, we studied various rhetorical devices including metaphor and personification.
2. 彼の演説は効果的な修辞法によって構成されており、聴衆を強く動かした。 His speech was structured with effective rhetorical devices and moved the audience deeply.
3. 古代ギリシャで体系化された修辞法は、現代の文章術にも通じる。 The rhetorical devices systematised in ancient Greece are still relevant to modern writing.

Usage Guide

Context: literary criticism, linguistics, education

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Extension of 修辞 (rhetoric) with 法 (hō, method/law), forming a compound meaning 'the methods of rhetoric.' Systematised in Japanese literary education drawing on both classical Chinese rhetorical tradition and Western academic systems of figures of speech.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated