宣言

• Reading: せんげん
• Romaji: sengen
• Kanji breakdown: 宣 (sen) — proclaim, announce; 言 (gen) — say, word
• Pronunciation: /seɴ.ɡeɴ/

Meaning

Declaration; proclamation; announcement. A formal, public statement of intent or position.

A noun and suru-verb for making an official or emphatic declaration. Used in political, legal, and personal contexts: 独立宣言 (declaration of independence), 緊急事態宣言 (state of emergency declaration), 宣言する (to declare). Can also be used more casually for personal declarations: ダイエット宣言 (declaring one is going on a diet). The word carries a sense of gravity and public commitment.

Examples

1. 政府は緊急事態宣言を発令した。 The government declared a state of emergency.
2. 彼は会議の場で辞任を宣言した。 He announced his resignation at the meeting.
3. 新年に禁煙を宣言したが、三日で挫折した。 I declared I would quit smoking in the new year, but gave up after three days.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, legal, personal resolutions

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 宣 (sen, proclaim/announce) + 言 (gen, say/word). Literally 'proclaim words' — to make a formal, public statement. The kanji 宣 originally depicted an official announcement from a ruler.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal