滑舌(かつぜつ)

滑舌(かつぜつ) refers to the clarity and sharpness of one's pronunciation when speaking. Originally a technical term from 歌舞伎(かぶき) (kabuki theater), it has become widely used in everyday Japanese.

Common collocations

• 滑舌(かつぜつ)がいい: to have good diction
• 滑舌(かつぜつ)が悪(わる)い: to have poor diction
• 滑舌(かつぜつ)の練習(れんしゅう): articulation practice
• 滑舌(かつぜつ)を鍛(きた)える: to train one's articulation
• 滑舌(かつぜつ)よく話(はな)す: to speak with clear diction

Etymology

滑(かつ) (smooth) + 舌(ぜつ) (tongue). Literally "smooth tongue" — the ability to move one's tongue smoothly for clear pronunciation.

Usage

Important for announcers, voice actors (声優(せいゆう)), actors, and public speakers. 滑舌(かつぜつ)の練習(れんしゅう) often involves tongue twisters (早口言葉(はやくちことば)).