1.
conversation; talk; chat
An exchange of words between people; a conversation or discussion.
談話を楽しむ。
To enjoy a conversation.
友人と談話を交わした。
I exchanged conversation with a friend.
談話室でコーヒーを飲みながら談話を楽しんだ。
We enjoyed chatting over coffee in the lounge.
2.
official statement; public remarks
A formal statement or remarks issued by a public figure or official, often to the press.
首相が談話を発表した。
The prime minister issued a statement.
官房長官の談話が注目を集めた。
The Chief Cabinet Secretary's statement attracted attention.
政府は公式談話を通じて国民に説明した。
The government explained to the public through an official statement.
Has two distinct uses: informal conversation between people, and formal public statements by officials. Composed of 談 (talk) + 話 (talk/story).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 談話を交わす: to exchange conversation
- 談話を発表する: to issue a statement
- 談話室: lounge; conversation room
- 公式談話: official statement
- 首相談話: prime minister's statement
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 会話: conversation — more everyday and common; used for general back-and-forth dialogue
- 声明: declaration, statement — more formal and decisive than 談話 in the political sense
- 雑談: small talk, chitchat — casual and lighthearted conversation
USAGE:
In sense 2, 談話 is a staple of political and news language. The word 談話 often implies a less binding or formal statement than 声明.