弁(べん)が立(た)つ

べんがたつ

expression

to be articulate; to be eloquent; to have a way with words

communication

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(かのじょ)は弁(べん)が立(た)つ。

She is very articulate.

弁(べん)が立(た)つ人(ひと)は会議(かいぎ)で有利(ゆうり)だ。

People who are eloquent have an advantage in meetings.

あの弁護士(べんごし)は弁(べん)が立(た)つので、裁判(さいばん)でいつも説得力(せっとくりょく)がある。

That lawyer is so eloquent that they are always persuasive in court.

The 弁(べん) here refers to speech or eloquence (as in 弁論(べんろん), debate). 立(た)つ conveys the idea of something being prominent or effective. Together, the expression means someone's speaking ability is strong.

Common patterns

弁(べん)が立(た)つ人(ひと): an articulate person
弁(べん)が立(た)つから: because one is eloquent

Usage

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 words

口(くち)が達者(たっしゃ): to have a glib tongue — often implies being too talkative or fast-talking; can be negative
口(くち)がうまい: to be a smooth talker — often negative, implying flattery or manipulation
雄弁(ゆうべん)な: eloquent — more formal and literary; always positive

Related Words

Antonym: 口下手(くちべた) (poor at expressing oneself)

Compare: 雄弁(ゆうべん) (eloquent)

Related: 口達者(くちだっしゃ) (talkative)

general

Added 2026.3.28 16:37 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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