1.
articulation, enunciation, diction
The clarity and sharpness of one's pronunciation when speaking. Originally a term from kabuki theater, now widely used in everyday language.
滑舌がいい。
He has good articulation.
滑舌が悪くて聞き取りにくい。
His diction is poor and hard to understand.
アナウンサーは滑舌の練習を毎日している。
Announcers practice their articulation every day.
滑舌 refers to the clarity and sharpness of one's pronunciation when speaking. Originally a technical term from 歌舞伎 (kabuki theater), it has become widely used in everyday Japanese.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 滑舌がいい: to have good diction
- 滑舌が悪い: to have poor diction
- 滑舌の練習: articulation practice
- 滑舌を鍛える: to train one's articulation
- 滑舌よく話す: to speak with clear diction
ETYMOLOGY:
滑 (smooth) + 舌 (tongue). Literally "smooth tongue" — the ability to move one's tongue smoothly for clear pronunciation.
USAGE:
Important for announcers, voice actors (声優), actors, and public speakers. 滑舌の練習 often involves tongue twisters (早口言葉).