1.
to extol; to praise; to celebrate
To praise or celebrate something publicly, often in writing or speech. Used when something is widely acclaimed or touted.
自由と平等を謳う。
To extol freedom and equality.
この商品は安全性を謳っている。
This product touts its safety.
世界一の品質を謳う広告には注意が必要だ。
You need to be careful with advertisements that boast world-class quality.
2.
to stipulate; to set forth; to state
To clearly state or lay out provisions in a law, regulation, contract, or similar document. A formal, written usage.
憲法は基本的人権を謳っている。
The constitution sets forth fundamental human rights.
契約書に謳われた条件を確認してください。
Please confirm the conditions stipulated in the contract.
法律に謳われている権利はすべての国民に保障される。
The rights set forth in the law are guaranteed to all citizens.
Not to be confused with 歌う (to sing). 謳う is used for proclaiming or stipulating, not for singing songs.
SENSE 1 (extol):
Often used in advertising, political speech, and media to describe something being publicly praised or promoted.
SENSE 2 (stipulate):
Appears in legal, constitutional, and formal contexts. The passive form 謳われている is very common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 自由を謳う (to extol freedom)
- 憲法に謳われている (stipulated in the constitution)
- 理念を謳う (to advocate a principle)