Meaning

Primary

Deep Feeling

Alternatives

Exclamation, Marvel

Word Type

noun, verbal noun

Explanation

If you compose something with a sigh, it's because you're experiencing a deep feeling. You might express this deep feeling with an exclamation, as you marvel at the wonders of the world.

This word can be used for a range of deep feelings, good or bad, and can also be used for the expression of those feelings, so you'll notice that the English translation varies quite a bit depending on the context.

Reading

えいたん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi for both kanji. You should be able to read it on your own.

Context

Context Sentences

その山の頂上から見た夕日の美しさに詠嘆した。

I marveled at the beauty of the sunset I saw from the top of that mountain.

この文には、「これが最後かもしれないんだなあ」という詠嘆の意味が込められています。

This sentence is filled with a deep feeling of "I wonder if this might be the last time."

和歌でよく使われる「けり」という言葉は、詠嘆の助動詞です。

The word "keri," often used in waka poetry, is an auxiliary verb of exclamation.

Kanji Composition