唱える

• Reading: となえる
• Romaji: tonaeru
• Kanji breakdown: 唱 (tonae/shou) — to chant, recite, advocate
• Pronunciation: /to.na.e.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To recite; to chant; to advocate or propose an idea. Used both for vocal recitation and for putting forward theories or opinions.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb. Has two main uses: (1) reciting prayers, mantras, or slogans aloud, and (2) advocating or proposing a theory or idea. Context determines which meaning applies.

Examples

1. お坊さんがお経を唱えている。 A Buddhist monk is chanting sutras.
2. 彼は新しい教育改革を唱えた。 He advocated for a new education reform.
3. 毎朝、校訓を声に出して唱える学校もある。 There are also schools where the school motto is recited aloud every morning.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, academia, politics

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From classical Japanese. The kanji 唱 combines 口 (mouth) with 昌 (prosper/bright), suggesting the act of voicing something clearly and prominently.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal