1.
to be articulate; to be eloquent; to have a way with words
To be skilled at speaking and expressing oneself clearly and persuasively. Describes someone who is verbally adept.
彼女は弁が立つ。
She is very articulate.
弁が立つ人は会議で有利だ。
People who are eloquent have an advantage in meetings.
あの弁護士は弁が立つので、裁判でいつも説得力がある。
That lawyer is so eloquent that they are always persuasive in court.
The 弁 here refers to speech or eloquence (as in 弁論, debate). 立つ conveys the idea of something being prominent or effective. Together, the expression means someone's speaking ability is strong.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 弁が立つ人: an articulate person
- 弁が立つから: because one is eloquent
NUANCE:
While generally positive (skilled speaker), it can sometimes carry a slightly negative nuance suggesting someone is too smooth-talking or overly clever with words, depending on context.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 口が達者: to have a glib tongue — often implies being too talkative or fast-talking; can be negative
- 口がうまい: to be a smooth talker — often negative, implying flattery or manipulation
- 雄弁な: eloquent — more formal and literary; always positive