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B2 noun #2,000 most common 9 min read

言及

genkyu Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 言及 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 言及 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '言及' (genkyū) yourself, but you might see it in very formal signs or hear it in news clips. It simply means 'to say something about a topic.' Imagine you are talking about a book. If the book has a page about cats, you could say the book 'mentions' cats. In Japanese, we use the particle 'ni' to show what we are talking about. So, 'Cats ni genkyū suru' means 'to mention cats.' For now, just remember that it is a very polite and formal way to say 'to talk about something.' You will mostly hear it on TV when important people are speaking. It's like the English word 'mention' but much more serious.

At the A2 level, you should recognize '言及' (genkyū) as a formal version of 'hanasu' (to talk) or 'iu' (to say). While you would say 'tomodachi to hanasu' (talk with a friend), you would use 'genkyū' in a classroom or a business report. It is a 'suru-verb,' which means you add 'suru' to make it an action. The most important thing to learn is the pattern: [Topic] に言及する. For example, if a teacher mentions the homework, they 'shukudai ni genkyū suru.' You might see this in reading exercises where a text describes what a famous person said. It helps you understand that the person didn't just talk generally, but specifically pointed out a certain topic.

At the B1 level, you should start using '言及' (genkyū) in your formal writing and presentations. It is a key word for the JLPT N2/N3 levels. You use it when you want to be precise about what someone referred to. For instance, in a speech about the environment, you might say, 'I will mention the problem of plastic' (Purasuchiku no mondai ni genkyū shimasu). It sounds much more professional than 'hanashimasu.' You should also notice how it's used in the negative: 'genkyū shinai' (to not mention). This is often used when someone is avoiding a difficult question. Understanding this word allows you to follow more complex news stories and academic discussions where specific references are being made.

At the B2 level, '言及' (genkyū) is a standard part of your vocabulary. You should be able to use it naturally in essays to cite sources or refer to specific data points. You understand the nuance that 'genkyū' implies a deliberate act of referencing. You can also use it with adverbs like 'chokusetsu' (directly) or 'shousai ni' (in detail) to add more meaning. For example, 'Kare wa sono riyuu ni chokusetsu genkyū shita' (He directly mentioned the reason). You also understand the difference between 'genkyū' and 'fureru' (to touch upon), choosing 'genkyū' for more formal or significant references. This word is essential for participating in professional debates and writing high-level reports.

At the C1 level, you master the subtle rhetorical uses of '言及' (genkyū). You use it to analyze texts, noting not only what is mentioned but also how it is mentioned. You might use phrases like 'genkyū wo sakeru' (to avoid mention) to describe a speaker's strategy in a political debate. You are comfortable using the noun form in complex sentences, such as 'Sono koto e no genkyū wa naku...' (Without any mention of that matter...). You also recognize its use in legal and academic contexts where 'genkyū' serves as a formal link between different parts of a discourse. Your usage reflects a deep understanding of Japanese formal registers and the ability to navigate complex social and professional hierarchies through precise language.

At the C2 level, '言及' (genkyū) is a tool for sophisticated linguistic analysis and high-level diplomatic or academic communication. You understand its historical weight and how it functions within the broader system of Japanese honorifics and formal discourse (Soro-bun or modern formal Japanese). You can use it to critique the nuances of a translation or to discuss the philosophical implications of 'mention' versus 'existence' in a text. You are capable of using 'genkyū' in highly abstract contexts, such as 'meta-genkyū' (meta-mention), and you can effortlessly switch between 'genkyū' and its more obscure synonyms depending on the desired tone. Your mastery of this word signifies a near-native command of the most formal and precise layers of the Japanese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

言及 in 30 Seconds

言及 (genkyū) means 'to mention' or 'to refer to' in formal contexts.
It is a suru-verb used with the particle 'ni' (Topic に言及する).
Common in news, academic papers, and business meetings.
More formal and specific than the general verb 'iu' (to say).

The Japanese word 言及 (げんきゅう - genkyū) is a formal and precise term used to describe the act of bringing up a specific topic, person, or event within a conversation, speech, or written document. At its core, it translates to "mention," "reference," or "allusion." However, unlike the simple verb iu (to say), genkyū implies a targeted focus on a particular point. It is the verbal or written equivalent of pointing a finger at a subject to ensure it is acknowledged by the audience. This word is indispensable in academic writing, journalism, and professional settings where clarity regarding what was discussed is paramount.

Etymology: The first kanji, 言 (gen), means 'word' or 'speech.' The second kanji, 及 (kyū), means 'to reach' or 'to extend to.' Together, they literally mean 'words reaching out to a subject.'

首相は会見で、増税の可能性について言及した。
(The Prime Minister mentioned the possibility of tax increases during the press conference.)

In a linguistic sense, genkyū acts as a bridge between a speaker's general discourse and a specific data point. It is often used to indicate that while a topic may not be the primary focus of the entire discussion, it was nonetheless addressed. For example, in a book review, the critic might genkyū the author's previous works to provide context. In a legal setting, a witness might genkyū a specific time or place. It carries a weight of intentionality; you don't just 'happen' to genkyū something—you choose to bring it into the light of the current discussion.

Nuance: It is primarily used for specific points. You wouldn't say you 'genkyū' a whole philosophy, but you would 'genkyū' a specific chapter or quote within it.

報告書では、環境問題への影響に言及している。
(The report mentions the impact on environmental issues.)

Furthermore, genkyū is a suru-verb, meaning it functions as a noun (mention/reference) and a verb (to mention/to refer to). In its noun form, it is often paired with verbs like sakeru (to avoid) or naku (without). For instance, genkyū wo sakeru means 'to avoid mentioning.' This versatility makes it a cornerstone of formal Japanese rhetoric, allowing speakers to navigate sensitive topics with precision.

彼はその事件については一切言及しなかった。
(He did not mention the incident at all.)

Grammar Note: The particle に (ni) is almost always used to mark the object of the mention: [Topic] に言及する.

論文の冒頭で、先行研究に言及する。
(At the beginning of the paper, I will refer to previous research.)

In summary, genkyū is the bridge between silence and specific acknowledgment. It is formal, precise, and carries the weight of professional accountability. Whether in a courtroom, a laboratory, or a corporate boardroom, using genkyū signals that a specific piece of information has been officially entered into the record of the conversation.

Using 言及 (genkyū) correctly requires an understanding of its formal register and its grammatical requirements. It is not a word you would typically use when chatting with friends about what you had for lunch. Instead, it is reserved for situations where you are describing what someone said or wrote in an official capacity. The most common structure is [Noun] + に言及する.

Standard Pattern: [Subject] は [Topic] に言及した。
(Subject mentioned Topic.)

社長は将来の海外進出に言及した。
(The president mentioned future overseas expansion.)

One of the key aspects of genkyū is its ability to handle complex topics. When you want to mention a specific 'fact' or 'possibility,' you often use the nominalizer koto or kanousei. For example, "He mentioned that the price is high" would be "Nedan ga takai koto ni genkyū shita." This allows for very specific references to actions or states of being.

In passive contexts, genkyū is frequently used to describe what is covered in a text or a speech. "The issue was mentioned in the report" becomes "Sono mondai wa houkokusho de genkyū sarete iru." This is a staple of academic writing where you are summarizing the contents of various sources.

Common Adverbs: 直接 (Chokusetsu): Directly mention.
間接的に (Kansetsu-teki ni): Indirectly mention.
詳しく (Kuwashiku): Mention in detail.

彼はその理由について詳しく言及した。
(He mentioned the reason in detail.)

Another important usage is the negative form, often used to highlight what was omitted. In political or corporate scandals, reporters often note what a spokesperson refused to mention. "Genkyū wo sakeru" (to avoid mention) or "Genkyū shinai" (to not mention) are critical phrases in these contexts.

政府は機密情報への言及を避けた。
(The government avoided mentioning classified information.)

Formal Writing: In essays, use genkyū when citing other authors. It shows respect and academic rigor.

この本は日本の歴史に言及している。
(This book refers to Japanese history.)

Finally, remember that genkyū is often used in the form 言及がある (genkyū ga aru), meaning "there is a mention." This is a very natural way to describe the contents of a document. "Kono kiji ni wa sono jiken no genkyū ga aru" (There is a mention of that incident in this article).

You will encounter 言及 (genkyū) in environments where formal language (Keigo or Teineigo) and precise reporting are standard. It is a staple of the Japanese media, academic circles, and high-level business communications. Understanding where you hear it will help you grasp its 'weight' as a word.

1. News and Journalism: News anchors use genkyū to report on what public figures have said. "The Governor mentioned the new policy..."

ニュースキャスター：「首相は昨日の演説で、経済対策に言及しました。」
(News caster: "The Prime Minister mentioned economic measures in yesterday's speech.")

In journalism, the absence of genkyū is often as important as its presence. If a politician gives a long speech about the economy but fails to mention inflation, a journalist might write: "Inflation was not mentioned (genkyū ga nakatta)." This highlights the word's role in critical analysis.

2. Academic Lectures and Papers: Professors use it to refer to theories, previous studies, or specific data points during lectures.

教授：「この論文では、心理学的な側面にも言及しています。」
(Professor: "This paper also refers to psychological aspects.")

In a university setting, genkyū is part of the 'language of citation.' When you are expected to acknowledge the work of others, you are expected to genkyū their findings. It adds a layer of intellectual honesty to the discourse.

3. Business Meetings: During formal presentations or board meetings, genkyū is used to refer to budget items, project risks, or client feedback.

部長：「前回の会議で言及した通り、予算を削減します。」
(Department Manager: "As mentioned in the previous meeting, we will cut the budget.")

In business, genkyū often appears in the phrase "As previously mentioned" (Saki ni genkyū shita toori). This helps maintain continuity in long-term projects and ensures everyone is on the same page regarding past decisions.

契約書の中で、賠償責任について言及がある。
(There is a mention of liability in the contract.)

Lastly, you will see it in legal documents and contracts. When a clause refers to another section of the document, the word genkyū is used to create a formal link. It is the language of precision and accountability.

While 言及 (genkyū) is a powerful word, it is often misused by learners who treat it as a direct synonym for "say" or "talk about." Understanding the boundaries of its usage is key to sounding natural in Japanese.

Mistake 1: Casual Usage: Using genkyū in daily life.
❌ 友達に昨日のランチに言及した。
✅ 友達に昨日のランチの話をした。

Genkyū is too formal for casual conversations. If you use it with friends, you will sound like a news reporter or a lawyer, which can create an awkward or overly stiff atmosphere. Stick to hanasu (talk) or iu (say) for personal interactions.

❌ 彼は彼女の新しい髪型に言及した。
(He mentioned her new hairstyle - sounds like a police report.)

Mistake 2: Incorrect Particle Usage: Using を (wo) instead of に (ni).
❌ その問題を言及する。
✅ その問題に言及する。

Because genkyū means "to reach out with words," the particle ni (indicating the target/direction) is the correct choice. Using wo makes the sentence grammatically incorrect and confusing to native speakers.

Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Fureru': Fureru (触れる) means 'to touch upon' and is slightly less formal than genkyū.

While they are similar, genkyū is more explicit. Fureru can mean you just briefly touched on a topic in passing, whereas genkyū implies a more deliberate reference. Using genkyū when you only briefly mentioned something might overstate the importance of that mention.

✅ 会議の最後に、少しだけその件に触れた。
(I briefly touched on the matter at the end of the meeting.)

Finally, avoid using genkyū when you are describing the content of what was said in detail. If you are quoting someone or explaining their entire argument, use noberu (to state) or shiteki suru (to point out). Genkyū is about the act of referencing, not the exhaustive explanation of the topic itself.

To truly master 言及 (genkyū), you must understand how it relates to other Japanese words that involve speaking or referencing. Each has a specific nuance that dictates when it should be used.

言及 (Genkyū) vs. 触れる (Fureru): 言及: Formal, deliberate reference. Often used in writing or official reports.
触れる: 'To touch upon.' Can be used for brief or casual mentions. Less heavy than genkyū.

彼はその過去には一切触れなかった。
(He didn't touch upon his past at all - sounds more natural in a story.)

言及 (Genkyū) vs. 述べる (Noberu): 言及: Focuses on the fact that a topic was brought up.
述べる: Focuses on the content of what was said (to state/express an opinion).

If you are explaining your opinion on a matter, you noberu your opinion. If you are just mentioning that the matter exists, you genkyū it. Noberu is much more common when you are the one speaking at length.

言及 (Genkyū) vs. 指摘する (Shiteki suru): 指摘する: To point out (usually a mistake, a fact, or a specific detail).
言及: To mention (neutral, doesn't imply you are correcting something).

ミスを指摘された。
(The mistake was pointed out.)

Finally, consider 口にする (kuchi ni suru). This is a more idiomatic way to say "to mention" or "to speak of," often used for things that are emotional or personal. You would kuchi ni suru your fears, but you would genkyū a statistical trend in a report. Choosing the right word depends entirely on the level of formality and the nature of the subject being mentioned.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

～について (about)

～に関する (regarding)

～によると (according to)

～に対して (towards)

～において (in/at)

Examples by Level

彼は本で猫に言及した。

He mentioned cats in the book.

Topic + に言及した

先生はテストに言及しました。

The teacher mentioned the test.

Polite past tense: 言及しました

そのニュースは雨に言及した。

The news mentioned the rain.

Noun + に言及

彼女は名前に言及しなかった。

She did not mention the name.

Negative: 言及しなかった

この手紙はあなたに言及している。

This letter mentions you.

Continuous: 言及している

父は仕事に言及した。

My father mentioned his work.

Simple past

映画は歴史に言及した。

The movie mentioned history.

Topic + に言及

彼はその色に言及しました。

He mentioned that color.

Polite past

報告書は新しい計画に言及している。

The report mentions the new plan.

Present continuous for states

彼は昨日のミスに言及しなかった。

He didn't mention yesterday's mistake.

Negative past

記事は日本の文化に言及した。

The article mentioned Japanese culture.

Topic + に言及

彼女は将来の夢に言及しました。

She mentioned her future dreams.

Polite past

この本は多くの作家に言及している。

This book mentions many authors.

Plural target

会議で予算に言及がありました。

There was a mention of the budget in the meeting.

Noun form: 言及がある

彼はその理由に言及しなかった。

He didn't mention the reason.

Negative past

手紙の中で家族に言及した。

I mentioned my family in the letter.

Location: 中で

首相は演説で経済の回復に言及した。

The Prime Minister mentioned the economic recovery in his speech.

Formal context

論文の冒頭で先行研究に言及する必要があります。

It is necessary to refer to previous research at the beginning of the paper.

Necessity: 必要があります

彼は事件の詳細については言及を避けた。

He avoided mentioning the details of the incident.

Avoiding: 言及を避けた

このドキュメンタリーは社会問題に深く言及している。

This documentary refers deeply to social issues.

Adverb: 深く (deeply)

彼女はスピーチで感謝の意に言及した。

She mentioned her gratitude in the speech.

Abstract noun: 感謝の意

契約書には違約金に関する言及がある。

There is a mention regarding the penalty fee in the contract.

Regarding: に関する

彼はその可能性について直接言及した。

He directly mentioned that possibility.

Adverb: 直接 (directly)

報告書では環境への影響に言及されている。

The impact on the environment is mentioned in the report.

Passive: 言及されている

著者はあとがきで、協力者への感謝に言及している。

The author mentions gratitude to collaborators in the afterword.

Specific location: あとがきで

政府は増税の時期については明言を避け、言及にとどめた。

The government avoided a clear statement on the timing of the tax hike and limited it to a mention.

Limiting: 言及にとどめた

彼は自分の過去の過ちに言及することをためらった。

He hesitated to mention his past mistakes.

Hesitating: ためらった

その記事は、事件の背景にある貧困問題に言及している。

The article refers to the poverty problem behind the incident.

Background: 背景にある

教授は講義の中で、最新の理論に言及した。

The professor mentioned the latest theory during the lecture.

Latest: 最新の

彼女はインタビューで、引退の可能性に言及した。

She mentioned the possibility of retirement in the interview.

Possibility: 可能性

この法律は、個人のプライバシー保護に言及している。

This law refers to the protection of individual privacy.

Protection: 保護

彼は会議で、コスト削減の必要性に言及した。

He mentioned the necessity of cost reduction at the meeting.

Necessity: 必要性

その批評家は、作品の構造的な欠陥に鋭く言及した。

The critic sharply referred to the structural flaws of the work.

Adverb: 鋭く (sharply)

外交官は、領土問題への直接的な言及を慎重に避けた。

The diplomat carefully avoided direct mention of the territorial issue.

Carefully: 慎重に

論文では、先行研究の限界点についても言及されている。

The paper also mentions the limitations of previous research.

Limitations: 限界点

彼は、自身の政治的野心については一切の言及を拒んだ。

He refused any mention of his own political ambitions.

Refusing: 拒んだ

この書評は、著者の文体の変化に細かく言及している。

This book review mentions the changes in the author's style in detail.

In detail: 細かく

判決文では、被告の反省の態度に言及があった。

In the written judgment, there was a mention of the defendant's remorseful attitude.

Remorse: 反省

彼女は、現代社会における孤独の問題に言及した。

She mentioned the problem of loneliness in modern society.

Modern society: 現代社会

その報告書は、将来のリスクについて包括的に言及している。

The report mentions future risks comprehensively.

Comprehensively: 包括的に

その哲学者は、言語と現実の乖離について形而上学的に言及した。

The philosopher referred metaphysically to the divergence between language and reality.

Metaphysically: 形而上学的に

歴史家は、その古文書における不可解な言及を分析した。

The historian analyzed the mysterious mentions in the ancient document.

Mysterious: 不可解な

彼の言説は、権力構造の再生産に暗黙のうちに言及している。

His discourse implicitly refers to the reproduction of power structures.

Implicitly: 暗黙のうちに

その詩は、失われた時へのノスタルジックな言及に満ちている。

The poem is full of nostalgic references to lost time.

Full of: 満ちている

学術的な文脈において、出典への言及を怠ることは許されない。

In an academic context, neglecting to mention sources is unacceptable.

Neglecting: 怠る

彼女の論文は、ポスト構造主義の視点からジェンダーに言及している。

Her paper refers to gender from a post-structuralist perspective.

Perspective: 視点から

その条約は、人道的な配慮について明示的に言及している。

The treaty explicitly mentions humanitarian considerations.

Explicitly: 明示的に

批評家は、映画の色彩設計が心理状態に及ぼす影響に言及した。

The critic mentioned the effect of the film's color design on psychological states.

Effect: 影響

Synonyms

触れる記述指摘述べるリファレンス

Antonyms

黙秘無視

Common Collocations

理由に言及する

過去に言及する

詳細に言及する

直接言及する

一切言及しない

可能性に言及する

問題に言及する

計画に言及する

事実に言及する

背景に言及する

Common Phrases

～に言及がある

言及を避ける

言及にとどめる

言及を拒む

言及を忘れる

言及を繰り返す

言及を求める

言及を控える

言及を許す

言及を促す

Often Confused With

言及 vs 言う (iu)

Iu is general; genkyū is formal and specific.

言及 vs 話す (hanasu)

Hanasu implies a conversation; genkyū implies a reference.

言及 vs 触れる (fureru)

Fureru is 'touching upon'; genkyū is 'mentioning' (more formal).

Idioms & Expressions

"言及を待つまでもない (Needless to mention)"

"一言も言及しない (Not a single mention)"

"深く言及する (To delve deep into)"

"さらりと言及する (To mention casually/lightly)"

"暗に言及する (To mention implicitly)"

"公然と言及する (To mention publicly)"

"繰り返し言及する (To mention repeatedly)"

"あえて言及する (To dare to mention)"

"慎重に言及する (To mention carefully)"

"明確に言及する (To mention clearly)"

Easily Confused

言及 vs

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

言語 (gengo)

発言 (hatsugen)

伝言 (dengon)

普及 (fukyuu)

追及 (tsuikyuu)

How to Use It

formal

Always preferred in written reports.

nuance

Implies a specific reference, not a general chat.

Common Mistakes

Using を instead of に.
Using it in casual conversation with friends.
Confusing it with 'kenkyū' (research).
Using it to mean 'to explain' (it only means 'to mention').
Forgetting the long vowel in 'kyū'.

Tips

Particle Choice

Always use 'ni' with 'genkyū'. Using 'wo' is a common mistake for learners.

Formality

Use this word to sound more professional in business meetings.

Synonyms

Learn 'fureru' as a less formal alternative for 'mentioning'.

News

Listen for this word on NHK News to see it used in context.

Citations

Use 'genkyū' when referring to other people's work in essays.

Job Interviews

Use 'genkyū' to refer to your skills or past achievements.

Context

If you see 'genkyū' in a text, look for the 'ni' particle to find the topic.

Silence

Remember that 'no mention' can be a strong message in Japan.

Genie Queue

A Genie in a Queue mentioning his wishes.

Not Research

Don't confuse 'genkyū' with 'kenkyū' (research).

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

In Japanese companies, 'genkyū' is used in minutes (Gijiroku) to record what was discussed.

Politicians use 'genkyū' to signal intent without making a firm promise.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"昨日のニュースで、あの事件に言及していましたか？"

"会議で予算の問題に言及すべきでしょうか？"

"あなたの論文では、どの理論に言及していますか？"

"彼はスピーチで新しいプロジェクトに言及しましたか？"

"報告書の中で、このリスクに言及する必要があります。"

Journal Prompts

今日読んだ記事で、一番印象に残った言及は何ですか？

あなたが将来、公の場で言及したいことは何ですか？

最近のニュースで、政治家が言及を避けたことは何だと思いますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely. It is mostly for formal situations like work or school.

The particle 'ni' is used to mark the topic being mentioned.

Yes, you can mention a person (Kare ni genkyū suru).

'Genkyū' is more formal and deliberate than 'fureru'.

It is both. You can say 'genkyū' (noun) or 'genkyū suru' (verb).

Use 'genkyū wo sakeru'.

Yes, it is common in N2 and N1 levels.

No, that is incorrect. Use 'genkyū suru'.

No, that is 'kenkyū'. They sound similar but are different.

Yes, in a formal business email, it is very appropriate.