1.
eloquent; articulate; fluent in speech
Having the ability to speak persuasively and fluently. Can carry a slightly negative nuance of being overly smooth or glib, depending on context.
彼は能弁な人だ。
He is an eloquent person.
能弁に自分の意見を述べた。
She stated her opinion eloquently.
あの政治家は能弁だが、言葉に中身がないと批判されることもある。
That politician is eloquent, but is sometimes criticized for lacking substance in his words.
USAGE:
Can be used positively (genuinely eloquent) or with a negative nuance (glib, too smooth). Context determines whether the speaker admires or mistrusts the eloquence.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 能弁な人 (an eloquent person)
- 能弁に語る (to speak eloquently)
- 能弁を振るう (to display one's eloquence)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 雄弁: eloquent — more positive, emphasizing powerful and impressive speech
- 口達者: smooth-talking — more casual, often with a negative nuance of being slick