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日本語
談話 — meaning in English: Discourse
danwa · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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discourse
通信
tsūshin
風景
fūkei
談話
danwa
カタログ
katarogu
スポット
supotto
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formal
common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 談話 (danwa) in academic settings, particularly during lectures or seminars where in-depth discussions take place. It can also be found in political or social contexts, such as during debates or diplomatic negotiations, where formal discourse is essential to convey complex ideas and arguments.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for 談話 (danwa) is 討論 (tōron), which means 'discussion' or 'debate'. While both involve dialogue, 談話 typically refers to a more structured and formal exchange of ideas, whereas 討論 can involve more contentious arguments and disagreements. You might choose 談話 when discussing topics in an academic paper or a formal meeting.
Culture
The word 談話 (danwa) has its roots in classical Chinese, where '談' means 'to talk' and '話' means 'speech' or 'words'. Its usage reflects the importance of dialogue and conversation in Japanese society, where formal discourse is often seen as a critical skill in both personal and professional contexts. Interestingly, the word has evolved to encompass not just verbal communication but also written forms of discourse in modern usage.
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