声明

• Reading: せいめい
• Romaji: seimei
• Kanji breakdown: 声 (sei/koe) — voice, sound; 明 (mei/aka) — bright, clear
• Pronunciation: /seː.meː/

Meaning

Declaration; statement; proclamation. A formal public announcement of a position or decision.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (声明する or 声明を出す). Used in official and political contexts: 声明を発表する (to issue a statement), 共同声明 (joint statement), 政府声明 (government declaration). More formal and public than 発表 (announcement). Not to be confused with the homophone 生命 (seimei, life).

Examples

1. 首相が記者会見で声明を発表した。 The prime minister issued a statement at the press conference.
2. 両国は共同声明を出して協力を約束した。 The two countries released a joint statement pledging cooperation.
3. 会社は事故について公式声明を出した。 The company issued an official statement about the accident.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, diplomacy, media

Tone: official

Origin & History

Compound of 声 (sei, voice) and 明 (mei, bright/clear). Together, 'making one's voice clear' — publicly and clearly stating one's position.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal