B1 Collocation Neutral 4 min read

意見を述べる

ja phrase 01406

state an opinion

Literally: {"\u610f\u898b":"opinion","\u3092":"object particle","\u8ff0\u3079\u308b":"to state, to express, to narrate"}

In 15 Seconds

  • Express your opinion clearly and formally.
  • Use in meetings, discussions, or official feedback.
  • Avoid in casual chats; sounds too stiff.
  • It's about deliberate, considered expression.

Meaning

`意見を述べる` (iken o noberu) means to formally or clearly express your opinion or viewpoint on a subject. It's about putting your thoughts out there, often in a structured way, rather than just casually mentioning them. Think of it as taking the stage to share your perspective.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Team meeting on Zoom

この件について、私の意見を述べさせていただきます。

Regarding this matter, I will state my opinion.

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2

Responding to a survey online

アンケートにご協力いただき、ありがとうございます。最後に、サービス改善に関する意見を述べます。

Thank you for cooperating with the survey. Lastly, I will state my opinions regarding service improvement.

3

Discussing a movie with classmates

あの映画の結末について、皆さんはどう思いますか?私は少し不満な意見を述べたいです。

What do you all think about the ending of that movie? I want to state a somewhat dissatisfied opinion.

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🌍

Cultural Background

The phrase `意見を述べる` reflects Japan's cultural emphasis on thoughtful expression, particularly in group settings. While directness is valued, the act of 'stating' an opinion (`述べる`) implies a level of consideration and respect for the audience and the topic. It emerged from contexts where public discourse required more structured and formal pronouncements, distinguishing it from casual conversation. This nuance highlights the importance of choosing the right words to convey respect and seriousness in Japanese communication.

💡

The Power of 'Nobel'

Remember Professor Nobel (`述べる`)? He always states his opinions formally. Use this phrase when you want your opinion to be taken seriously, like a Nobel Prize-worthy insight!

⚠️

Avoid the 'Casual Stiff' Trap!

Using `意見を述べる` when ordering coffee or texting about movies sounds like you're giving a TED Talk on latte art. Stick to `意見を言う` or simpler phrasing for casual chats!

In 15 Seconds

  • Express your opinion clearly and formally.
  • Use in meetings, discussions, or official feedback.
  • Avoid in casual chats; sounds too stiff.
  • It's about deliberate, considered expression.

What It Means

意見を述べる is your go-to phrase when you need to clearly and formally share your thoughts. It's not just a quick comment; it's a deliberate act of expressing your perspective. This phrase carries a bit of weight, suggesting you're taking a stance on something important. It implies you've thought about it and are ready to articulate your position.

How To Use It

Use 意見を述べる when you're in a situation that calls for a considered opinion. This could be a meeting, a formal discussion, or even a public forum. You're not just guessing; you're stating what you believe or think based on your knowledge or feelings. It's often used with topics that require a reasoned argument or a specific viewpoint. Don't be shy; this phrase empowers you to speak up!

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you're in a team meeting about a new project. Your boss asks for input. You might say, "このプロジェクトの方向性について、私の意見を述べさせてください" (Kono purojekuto no hōkōsei ni tsuite, watashi no iken o nobesasete kudasai) – "Please let me state my opinion regarding the direction of this project." Or perhaps you're watching a documentary and feel strongly about an issue. You might tell a friend, "あのドキュメンタリーを見て、社会問題について意見を述べたいと思ったんだ" (Ano dokyumentari o mite, shakai mondai ni tsuite iken o nobetai to omotta n da) – "After watching that documentary, I felt like expressing my opinion on social issues."

When To Use It

This phrase is perfect for formal settings like business meetings, academic discussions, or public debates. It's also suitable when you want to emphasize the seriousness or thoughtfulness of your opinion. If you're asked for your official stance in a survey or a formal feedback session, 意見を述べる fits right in. It signals that you're prepared to back up your thoughts. It’s like saying, "Here’s my official take."

When NOT To Use It

Avoid 意見を述べる in casual chats with friends over ramen or when texting about weekend plans. It sounds overly formal and stiff in relaxed situations. If you're just saying "I think it's sunny," you wouldn't use this phrase. Save it for when your opinion carries some weight or requires a more structured delivery. Using it casually might make you sound like a robot trying to be profound.

Common Mistakes

A common pitfall is using it in overly casual contexts, making your speech sound unnatural. Another mistake is confusing it with simply *hearing* an opinion. Remember, 述べる is about *expressing*, not receiving. Also, learners sometimes try to use it with verbs that don't fit, like 意見を聞く (iken o kiku - to hear an opinion) instead of 意見を述べる. It's like trying to wear a tuxedo to a beach party – just doesn't fit!

My opinion 聞く (kiku) My opinion 述べる (noberu)
I want to 述べる (noberu) your opinion I want to 聞く (kiku) your opinion

Similar Expressions

  • 意見を言う (iken o iu): This is a more casual way to say "to state an opinion." It's less formal than 述べる and widely used in everyday conversation. Think of it as the friendly, approachable cousin of 意見を述べる.
  • 考えを話す (kangae o hanasu): This means "to talk about one's thoughts." It's broader and can be less formal, focusing more on the act of sharing thoughts rather than a definitive opinion.
  • 所見を述べる (shoken o noberu): This is even more formal than 意見を述べる, often used in official reports or by higher-ups. It implies a professional or expert observation.

Common Variations

  • 意見を述べます (iken o nobemasu): The polite -masu form, suitable for most formal and neutral situations. This is your safe bet for politeness.
  • 意見を述べたい (iken o nobetai): "I want to state my opinion." Expresses a desire to share your thoughts.
  • 意見を述べた (iken o nobeta): The past tense, "stated an opinion."
  • 意見を述べさせてください (iken o nobesasete kudasai): "Please let me state my opinion." A polite request to share your viewpoint.

Memory Trick

💡

Imagine a venerable old professor, Professor Nobel (述べる), standing at a podium to state (述べる) his opinion (意見). He's not just chatting; he's delivering a formal address. Professor Nobel always states his opinions clearly! The image of a respected figure formally expressing his views should help you remember the nuance.

Quick FAQ

Q. Is 意見を述べる always formal?

A. Mostly, yes. It leans formal, but can be neutral depending on context. It's rarely casual.

Q. Can I use it on social media?

A. You *could*, but it might sound a bit stiff unless the post is a serious commentary. 意見を言う is usually better for IG or Twitter.

Q. What's the difference between 意見を述べる and 意見を言う?

A. 述べる is more formal and deliberate; 言う is more common and casual. Think of 述べる as presenting a case, and 言う as sharing a thought.

Usage Notes

This phrase carries a formal tone, best suited for professional, academic, or serious discussion settings. Avoid using it in casual conversations with friends or family, as it might sound overly stiff or pretentious. When in doubt, `意見を言う` is a safer, more versatile option for everyday interactions.

💡

The Power of 'Nobel'

Remember Professor Nobel (`述べる`)? He always states his opinions formally. Use this phrase when you want your opinion to be taken seriously, like a Nobel Prize-worthy insight!

⚠️

Avoid the 'Casual Stiff' Trap!

Using `意見を述べる` when ordering coffee or texting about movies sounds like you're giving a TED Talk on latte art. Stick to `意見を言う` or simpler phrasing for casual chats!

🎯

Add Nuance with Requests

Want to share your opinion politely? Use `意見を述べさせてください` (Please let me state my opinion) or `意見を述べてもよろしいでしょうか?` (May I state my opinion?). It shows respect for the listener's time.

💬

Harmony Through Formality

In Japanese culture, choosing the right level of formality maintains harmony. `意見を述べる` signals you're contributing thoughtfully to a group discussion, respecting the context and others present.

Examples

12
#1 Team meeting on Zoom
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この件について、私の意見を述べさせていただきます。

Regarding this matter, I will state my opinion.

A polite and formal way to introduce your opinion in a business setting.

#2 Responding to a survey online

アンケートにご協力いただき、ありがとうございます。最後に、サービス改善に関する意見を述べます。

Thank you for cooperating with the survey. Lastly, I will state my opinions regarding service improvement.

Used in written feedback to clearly present thoughts on improvement.

#3 Discussing a movie with classmates
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あの映画の結末について、皆さんはどう思いますか?私は少し不満な意見を述べたいです。

What do you all think about the ending of that movie? I want to state a somewhat dissatisfied opinion.

Slightly more formal than '言う', but still natural when discussing art or media.

#4 Instagram caption about a social issue
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最近の出来事を見て、この問題について自分の意見を述べずにはいられませんでした。

Seeing recent events, I couldn't help but state my opinion on this issue.

Adds a touch of seriousness to a social media post about important topics.

#5 Texting a friend about a group project
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次のミーティングで、このアイデアについて僕の意見を述べたいんだけど、大丈夫かな?

In the next meeting, I want to state my opinion about this idea, is that okay?

While '言う' is more common, '述べる' can be used here to show you've thought deeply about the idea.

Mistake: Casual conversation Common Mistake
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✗ 今日のランチ、何がいいか意見を述べますね。

✗ Today for lunch, I'll state my opinion on what's good.

Too formal for choosing lunch. '意見を言う' or simply suggesting is better.

Mistake: Wrong verb Common Mistake

✗ 彼の提案に賛成の意見を聞きました。

✗ I heard an opinion of agreement with his proposal.

You hear (聞く) an opinion, you state (述べる) an opinion. This sentence mixes them up.

#8 Humorous: Overly formal statement
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このポテトチップスについて、私の意見を述べさせていただけないでしょうか?至高の逸品です!

Might I be permitted to state my opinion on these potato chips? They are a supreme delicacy!

Humorous use by applying a very formal phrase to something trivial.

#9 Formal presentation
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本日の会議では、特にコスト削減策について、私の見解を述べさせていただきます。

In today's meeting, I will state my views, particularly concerning cost reduction measures.

Using '見解' (kenkai - view/opinion) instead of '意見' (iken) makes it even more formal and professional.

#10 Academic discussion
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先生、その理論について、私の意見を述べてもよろしいでしょうか?

Professor, may I state my opinion regarding that theory?

Polite request to share a viewpoint in an academic context.

#11 Vlogging about a product review

この新しいガジェットについて、皆さんに正直な意見を述べたいと思います。

About this new gadget, I want to state my honest opinion to everyone.

Common in reviews where presenters want to sound authoritative and transparent.

#12 Expressing strong feelings
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長年抱えてきたこの問題に対し、今こそはっきりとした意見を述べなければならない。

Regarding this issue I've held for many years, now is the time I must clearly state my opinion.

Conveys a sense of urgency and importance in expressing one's stance.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 述べたい

The context requires expressing an opinion, making `述べたい` (want to state) the most appropriate choice for a formal setting.

Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.

Which sentence uses `意見を述べる` correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Option B correctly uses `意見を述べる` in a formal context (a specialist stating their opinion). Option A is too casual, C is okay but B fits better, D makes no sense.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

While `言う` (to say) is common, `述べる` (to state) fits better when emphasizing a formal or considered opinion in a context like 'should'.

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 意見

The phrase `意見を述べる` is a set collocation. While `考え` (thoughts) or `感想` (impressions) could fit, `意見` (opinion) is the standard word used with `述べる` in this context.

Choose the sentence that best reflects the nuance of `意見を述べる`.

Which sentence captures the formal, deliberate nature of `意見を述べる`?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Option B clearly shows a formal setting (meeting) and a deliberate action (stating opinion at the beginning). A is too casual, C implies frequency and potentially negativity, D is a request but less formal than B's statement.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The verb `述べる` conjugates to `述べ` (state) when connecting clauses like this. The `て` form is incorrect here for a smooth, formal connection.

Translate this sentence into Japanese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This translates the desire to express an opinion formally.

Fill in the blank.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 意見

The phrase `意見を述べる` is a common collocation, meaning to state one's opinion.

Translate this sentence into Japanese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This emphasizes the formal and official nature of the opinion being stated.

Put the words in the correct order to form a natural sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This forms the polite expression 'I want to state my opinion.'

Choose the sentence that uses the phrase most appropriately.

When would you most likely use `意見を述べる`?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

The phrase `意見を述べる` implies a formal and deliberate expression, making a business meeting the most suitable context.

Put the words in the correct order.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This is incorrect. The correct sentence should be: 意見を述べさせてください (Iken o nobesasete kudasai) - Please let me state my opinion. The word 'は' is extraneous and misplaced.

🎉 Score: /12

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum of Expressing Opinions

Very Casual

Quick, spontaneous thoughts.

「いいね!」

Casual

Everyday opinions with friends.

「~と思うんだけど。」 (I think...)

Neutral/Formal

Considered opinions in discussions or writing.

`意見を述べる` (I state my opinion)

Very Formal

Official statements, expert views.

「所見を申し上げる」 (I offer my observations)

When to Use `意見を述べる`

`意見を述べる`
💼

Business Meeting

「この計画について、私の意見を述べさせてください。」

🎓

Academic Seminar

「先生、その点について意見を述べてもよろしいでしょうか?」

📝

Formal Feedback Session

「サービス改善のため、意見を述べさせていただきます。」

🎤

Public Debate

「本日のテーマについて、明確な意見を述べます。」

📄

Official Report Writing

「調査結果に基づき、意見を述べます。」

💻

Serious Online Commentary

「この社会問題について、意見を述べずにはいられない。」

Comparing Opinion Expressions

Casual
意見を言う To say an opinion (common, casual)
思うんだけど I think... (very casual)
Neutral/Formal
意見を述べる To state an opinion (formal, deliberate)
見解を示す To show one's view/opinion (formal)
Very Formal
所見を申し上げる To humbly state one's observations (very formal)
提言する To propose/recommend (formal suggestion)

Contexts for `意見を述べる`

🏢

Professional Settings

  • Team meetings
  • Presentations
  • Formal feedback
🏛️

Academic Contexts

  • Seminars
  • Debates
  • Thesis discussions
🗣️

Public Discourse

  • Speeches
  • Panel discussions
  • Formal interviews
✍️

Written Communication

  • Reports
  • Formal emails
  • Survey responses

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb. Fill Blank beginner

会議で、新しい企画について皆の意見を ___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 述べたい

The context requires expressing an opinion, making `述べたい` (want to state) the most appropriate choice for a formal setting.

Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly. Choose intermediate

Which sentence uses `意見を述べる` correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Option B correctly uses `意見を述べる` in a formal context (a specialist stating their opinion). Option A is too casual, C is okay but B fits better, D makes no sense.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

その問題について、私の意見を言うべきです。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: その問題について、私の意見を述べるべきです。

While `言う` (to say) is common, `述べる` (to state) fits better when emphasizing a formal or considered opinion in a context like 'should'.

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word. Fill Blank intermediate

この報告書では、現状分析に関する私の ___ を述べます。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 意見

The phrase `意見を述べる` is a set collocation. While `考え` (thoughts) or `感想` (impressions) could fit, `意見` (opinion) is the standard word used with `述べる` in this context.

Choose the sentence that best reflects the nuance of `意見を述べる`. Choose advanced

Which sentence captures the formal, deliberate nature of `意見を述べる`?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Option B clearly shows a formal setting (meeting) and a deliberate action (stating opinion at the beginning). A is too casual, C implies frequency and potentially negativity, D is a request but less formal than B's statement.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix advanced

Find and fix the mistake:

彼は会議で自分の意見を述べて、皆を感動させた。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 彼は会議で自分の意見を述べ、皆を感動させた。

The verb `述べる` conjugates to `述べ` (state) when connecting clauses like this. The `て` form is incorrect here for a smooth, formal connection.

Translate this sentence into Japanese. Translate beginner

I want to state my opinion on this topic.

Hints: Remember the particle for 'topic'., Use the polite form of 'to state'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: このトピックについて、私は意見を述べたいです。

This translates the desire to express an opinion formally.

Fill in the blank. Fill Blank beginner

議論の場で、自分の ___ をはっきり述べることは大切です。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 意見

The phrase `意見を述べる` is a common collocation, meaning to state one's opinion.

Translate this sentence into Japanese. Translate intermediate

The committee will state their official opinion tomorrow.

Hints: Use the polite form for 'state'., 'Official' can be translated as 公式な (kōshiki na).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 委員会は明日、公式な意見を述べます。

This emphasizes the formal and official nature of the opinion being stated.

Put the words in the correct order to form a natural sentence. Reorder intermediate

Arrange the words in the correct order:

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 意見を述べたいです。

This forms the polite expression 'I want to state my opinion.'

Choose the sentence that uses the phrase most appropriately. Choose beginner

When would you most likely use `意見を述べる`?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

The phrase `意見を述べる` implies a formal and deliberate expression, making a business meeting the most suitable context.

Put the words in the correct order. Reorder advanced

Arrange the words in the correct order:

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 意見を述べさせてくださいは。

This is incorrect. The correct sentence should be: 意見を述べさせてください (Iken o nobesasete kudasai) - Please let me state my opinion. The word 'は' is extraneous and misplaced.

🎉 Score: /12

Frequently Asked Questions

18 questions

The core meaning is to express your opinion or viewpoint clearly. It's more formal than just 'saying' something; it implies a deliberate act of sharing your thoughts on a particular subject.

It's generally not used in very casual, everyday chats. While it can be neutral, it leans towards formality. For relaxed conversations with friends, 意見を言う (iken o iu) is usually a better fit.

You should use it in situations that require a more formal or structured expression of your thoughts. This includes business meetings, academic discussions, official reports, or when you want to emphasize that you've carefully considered your viewpoint.

Certainly! If your boss asks for input on a new project, you could say, 「このプロジェクトの進め方について、私の意見を述べさせてください。」 (Kono purojekuto no susumekata ni tsuite, watashi no iken o nobesasete kudasai.) - 'Regarding how to proceed with this project, please let me state my opinion.'

意見を述べる carries a sense of formality and deliberation, like presenting a well-thought-out stance. 意見を言う is more common, casual, and simply means 'to say' or 'voice' an opinion, without the same level of formality.

The verb 述べる means 'to state,' 'to express,' 'to narrate,' or 'to tell.' It often implies a more formal or detailed way of conveying information compared to simpler verbs like 言う (iu - to say).

Yes, it is generally considered polite, especially when used in its polite form (意見を述べます). Its formality lends itself well to polite interactions in professional or academic settings, showing respect for the context.

You could use phrases like 「ご意見をお聞かせください。」 (Go-iken o okikase kudasai - Please let us hear your opinion) or 「ご意見を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか?」 (Go-iken o ukagattemo yoroshii deshō ka? - May I inquire about your opinion?). These are polite ways to solicit feedback.

Absolutely. It's quite common in academic essays or formal written reports when the author wants to clearly present their thesis or findings. For example, 「本稿では、〇〇について意見を述べる。」 (Honkō de wa, 〇〇 ni tsuite iken o noberu.) - 'In this paper, I will state my opinion on 〇〇.'

A frequent mistake is using it in overly casual situations, like asking a friend what movie to watch. It makes the speaker sound unnaturally formal or stiff. For such cases, 意見を言う or just suggesting directly is better.

Yes, 所見を述べる (shoken o noberu) is often considered more formal, typically used in official reports or by individuals in positions of authority. 所見 implies a professional observation or viewpoint.

意見を述べる is about stating your current perspective or belief. 提案する (to propose) is specifically about suggesting a plan or course of action. You might 意見を述べる *about* a proposal, or you might 提案する as a way to express your opinion.

While the phrase itself is neutral, context and tone can certainly make it sarcastic. If someone uses it overly dramatically about a trivial matter, like "Allow me to state my opinion on this lukewarm tea!", it becomes humorous or sarcastic.

You could say 「意見があります。」 (Iken ga arimasu - I have an opinion). This simply indicates possession of a viewpoint without the immediate action implied by 述べる.

Yes, 述べる can be used with other nouns like 感謝 (kansha - gratitude), 謝罪 (shazai - apology), 感想 (kansō - impression), 見解 (kenkai - view), and 説明 (setsumei - explanation), often indicating a formal or detailed expression.

The polite past tense is 意見を述べました (iken o nobemashita). The plain past tense is 意見を述べた (iken o nobeta).

No, it's neutral. It simply means to express your opinion, which could be one of agreement, disagreement, or a neutral observation. The context will clarify the stance.

Yes, especially if the feedback section is formal or you want to sound thorough. For example, 「購入した製品について、改善点に関する意見を述べさせていただきます。」 (Kōnyū shita seihin ni tsuite, kaizen-ten ni kansuru iken o nobesasete itadakimasu.) - 'Regarding the product I purchased, I would like to state my opinions on areas for improvement.'

Related Phrases

😊

意見を言う

informal version

to say an opinion

This is the most common and casual alternative, used when formality isn't required, making it suitable for everyday chats.

🔗

考えを話す

related topic

to talk about one's thoughts

This phrase focuses on sharing thoughts more broadly, which can include opinions but isn't limited to them, making it less definitive than `意見を述べる`.

👔

所見を述べる

formal version

to state one's observations/views

This is a more formal and often professional term, typically used in official reports or by experts, implying a deeper analysis than a simple opinion.

↔️

反論する

antonym

to argue against, to rebut

While `意見を述べる` is about expressing one's own view, `反論する` specifically means to counter someone else's opinion or argument.

🔗

賛成する

related topic

to agree

Agreeing (`賛成する`) is one possible type of opinion you might `意見を述べる` about; it's a specific stance that can be expressed using the phrase.

🔗

質問する

related topic

to ask a question

Asking questions is distinct from stating opinions; `意見を述べる` is about providing your viewpoint, not seeking information from others.

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