語る

• Reading: かたる
• Romaji: kataru
• Kanji breakdown: 語 (go/kata) — to tell, language, word
• Pronunciation: /ka.ta.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To talk about; to narrate; to tell a story. Used for recounting experiences or telling tales in detail.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the る row. Implies telling something at length or with depth, unlike 話す which is more general conversation. Often used for storytelling, sharing personal experiences, or discussing significant events. Related to 物語 (story/tale) and 語り (narration).

Examples

1. 祖父はよく戦争の体験を語ってくれた。 My grandfather often told us about his wartime experiences.
2. 彼女は自分の夢について熱く語った。 She spoke passionately about her dreams.
3. この写真が当時の様子を語っている。 This photograph tells the story of how things were back then.

Usage Guide

Context: storytelling, interviews, literature

Tone: reflective

Origin & History

The kanji 語 combines 言 (speech) and 吾 (I/my), originally meaning one's own words or speech, extended to narrating or telling stories.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal