How to Say "Speech" in Japanese

スピーチ

supīchi[sɨ̥pʲiːt͡ɕi]

In Japanese, 'speech' is translated as スピーチ (supīchi).

スピーチ refers to a session of speaking or an oration. It is a common loanword borrowed from the English word 'speech'.

Meaning: an oration, session of speaking (noun)

How do you pronounce it?

supīchi

Unlike in English, where 'speech' can refer to the general faculty of talking, スピーチ only refers to the act of delivering a formal address. To discuss the ability to speak, Japanese uses 言葉 'kotoba' or 発話 'hatsuwa'.
In Japanese business settings, a スピーチ is often preceded by a gesture of bowing to the audience. The depth and duration of the bow can signal the speaker's level of humility or the importance of the occasion.
Japanese speakers may use the term 口上 'koujou' to describe a formal, stylized speech. This term is specifically associated with traditional arts like rakugo or sumo, where the delivery follows a strict, rhythmic pattern.

明日スピーチをします。
I'll give a speech tomorrow.
This sentence shows how to use スピーチ to say you will give a speech.
Tatoeba #9575815 by small_snow, translation #9570962 by DJ_Saidez
いいスピーチでしたね。
That was a good speech.
This sentence uses スピーチ to compliment a speech that was performed.
Tatoeba #11053928 by small_snow, translation #5916615 by CK
スピーチはどうでしたか。
How did your speech go?
This sentence uses スピーチ to ask how a speech went.
Tatoeba #214538 by bunbuku, translation #51830 by CK
演説をします。
I will give a speech.
39 more sentences on Tatoeba

Kenta and Himari are talking about a wedding they attended.

健太 Kenta

新郎のスピーチはとても感動的でしたね。
Shinrō no supīchi wa totemo kandōteki deshita ne.
The groom's speech was very moving, wasn't it?
陽葵 Himari

はい、本当にいいスピーチでした。
Hai, hontō ni ii supīchi deshita.
Yes, it really was a great speech.
健太 Kenta

陽葵さんもスピーチをしますか。
Himari-san mo supīchi o shimasu ka.
Will you give a speech too, Himari?
陽葵 Himari

いいえ、私はスピーチをしません。
Iie, watashi wa supīchi o shimasen.
No, I am not giving a speech.

Sources

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