How to say "utter" in Japanese

• 言ういうJLPT N5approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe verb sense of 'utter': simply to say something. Use it when the meaning is just that someone says a thing aloud, with no special nuance attached.
  「みんなひと休やすみしようぜ」とジョンは言いった。↗

  John said, "Hey guys, let's take a break."
• 発するはっするCommon
  suru verb (irregular), transitive verbThe other verb for 'utter': to let out, produce or emit a sound or words. It suits contexts where the utterance is pictured as something let out rather than simply said.
  そのバラは甘あまい匂においを発はっする。↗

  The rose gives off a sweet odor.
• 純然じゅんぜんCommon
  taru-adjective, adverb (with と)Covers the adjective 'utter' in the sense of absolute or pure: something that is entirely, exclusively that thing. Use it when stressing that nothing else is mixed in.
• 真のしんのCommon
  prenominal modifierReally means true, real or genuine, and is only a marginal way to say 'utter'. Seldom the word you want for the adjective; choose it when English stresses genuine or real rather than sheer completeness.
  我々われわれの真しんの国籍こくせきは人類じんるいである。↗

  Our true nationality is mankind.
• 見事みごとJLPT N3approx.Common
  na-adjectiveCovers the adjective 'utter', especially in the collocation 'utter defeat': a total, complete loss. Use it when the emphasis falls on the defeat being thoroughgoing.

For the verb 'utter', use 「言う」 for simply saying something and 「発する」 for letting a sound or words out; for the adjective, 純然 expresses 'absolute, pure' and 見事 fits 'utter defeat', while 「真の」 really means 'true'.

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

• 言ういうto say
• 発するはっするto let out
• 純然じゅんぜんabsolute
• 真のしんのtrue
• けちょんけちょんthorough (criticism, defeat, etc.)
• 見事みごとutter (esp. defeat)
• 真っ赤まっかdownright (e.g. lie)
• こくto utter (a lie, nonsense, etc.)
• 真っ赤っかまっかっかdownright (e.g. lie)
• 垂れるたれるto say
• いいとこutter