言葉が出ない
kotoba ga denai
The English word "speechless" is expressed in Japanese as 言葉が出ない (kotoba ga denai).
This phrase is used to describe a state of being unable to speak due to intense emotion, such as shock, grief or overwhelming joy.
Meaning: not speaking, not knowing what to say (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 'kotoba' (words), 'ga' (subject marker) and 'denai' (do not come out/emerge).
How do you pronounce it?
kotoba ga denai
Did you know?
- In Japanese communication, a long silence or being 'speechless' in response to a request is often interpreted as a polite 'no' rather than a lack of words.
- While 言葉が出ない describes the state of being speechless, Japanese people often use the onomatopoeia ぽかん to describe the vacant, open-mouthed expression of someone who is speechless from confusion.
- In high-tension social situations, a person might be 'speechless' not because of emotion, but because of 空気を読む or 'reading the air', where silence is a tactical choice to maintain harmony.
Examples in context
- 驚きすぎて、言葉が出ない。Odorokisugite, kotoba ga denai.I am so surprised, I am speechless.
- あまりに悲しくて、言葉が出ない。Amari ni kanashikute, kotoba ga denai.I am so sad, I am speechless.
- あまりの美しさに、言葉が出ない。Amari no utsukushisa ni, kotoba ga denai.I am speechless at its beauty.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are looking at a stunning sunset.
- 陽太 Yota結衣、見て！すごく綺麗だよ。Yui, mite! Sugoku kirei da yo.Yui, look! It's so beautiful.
- 結衣 Yui本当に。綺麗すぎて言葉が出ないわ。Hontou ni. Kirei sugite kotoba ga denai wa.Truly. It's so beautiful I am speechless.
- 陽太 Yota僕も、言葉が出ないよ。Boku mo, kotoba ga denai yo.I am speechless too.
- 結衣 Yui最高の景色だね、陽太君。Saikou no keshiki da ne, Yota-kun.It is the best view, Yota.
