How to say "discourse" in Japanese

• 講話こうわCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbCovers 'discourse' in the sense of a spoken address or lecture delivered to an audience. Choose it when the word refers to a talk given orally, such as a speech or instructional lecture, rather than to written argument.
• 論説ろんせつCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'discourse' as a written argument or treatise advancing a position. It fits extended written reasoning, such as an editorial-style article or dissertation, and is not the word for a spoken lecture.
• 論考ろんこうCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'discourse' as sustained written discussion or inquiry into a subject. It suits analytical or scholarly treatment of a topic, emphasizing study and examination rather than a single talk or opinion piece.

All three render 'discourse' in speech or writing contexts: use 講話 for a spoken lecture-style talk, 論説 for a written argument or editorial piece, and 論考 for an extended written discussion or inquiry into a topic.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 講話こうわlecture
• 論説ろんせつarticle
• 論考ろんこうstudy (of)
• ディスクールdiscourse
• ディスコースdiscourse
• 言述げんじゅつdiscourse
• 言説げんせつremark
• 論ろんargument
• 談話だんわdiscourse
• 話法わほうnarration