Meaning and Usage
"証言" (しょうげん) refers to testimony or evidence given by a witness or involved party, often in legal contexts such as trials or investigations. It is a formal noun used to describe spoken or written statements that serve as proof or support for facts.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in legal, police, and investigative settings. When someone "証言する" (to testify), they provide their account or evidence regarding an event or situation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 証言をする: to give testimony
- 証言を裏付ける: to support testimony
- 目撃者の証言: witness's testimony
- 裁判での証言: testimony in court
These collocations highlight how "証言" is often paired with verbs related to giving, supporting, or evaluating statements.
Register and Nuance
"証言" is a formal term and typically appears in written or formal spoken Japanese, especially in legal or official contexts. It is not commonly used in casual conversation.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "証言" with "証拠" (しょうこ), which means "evidence" in a broader sense, including physical proof. Remember that "証言" specifically refers to verbal or written testimony, while "証拠" can be any kind of proof.