朗読

• Reading: ろうどく
• Romaji: roudoku
• Kanji breakdown: 朗 (rou) — clear, bright; 読 (doku) — read
• Pronunciation: /ɾoː.do.kɯ/

Meaning

Reading aloud; recitation. The act of vocalising written text expressively.

A noun and suru-verb for reading text out loud, typically with clear enunciation and expression. Distinct from 音読 (reading aloud for study, often monotone) in that 朗読 implies artistic or performative delivery. Used in schools, literary events, and radio: 朗読会 (recitation event), 詩の朗読 (poetry reading).

Examples

1. 図書館で子供たちに絵本の朗読をした。 I read picture books aloud to the children at the library.
2. 彼女の朗読は感情が込められていて聞き入ってしまう。 Her reading is so full of emotion that I find myself completely drawn in.
3. 毎朝ニュースの朗読を聞いて日本語の練習をしている。 Every morning I listen to a news reading to practice my Japanese.

Usage Guide

Context: education, literature, performance, radio

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 朗 (rou, clear/bright) + 読 (doku, to read). Literally 'to read clearly,' emphasising the vocal clarity and expressiveness that distinguish recitation from silent reading.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal