公言（こうげん、kougen）
- public statement

The Japanese word 公言 (こうげん) means to declare publicly, to announce, or to state something openly. It implies making a statement or expressing an opinion in a way that is known to others, often with the intention of making it official or establishing it as a fact. It can also suggest an element of formality or a certain level of commitment to what is being said. ⚫︎ It often refers to making a formal declaration or announcement, rather than a casual remark. ⚫︎ The word emphasizes the public nature of the statement. The information is shared or declared in a way that is accessible to others. ⚫︎ The act of 公言 can imply that the person making the statement is taking some kind of responsibility for it or expressing a clear intention.

⚫︎ 彼は自分の意見を公言］した。 Translation: He declared his opinion. ⚫︎ 社長は来年退任することを公言］した。 Translation: The president announced his retirement next year. ⚫︎ 彼女は彼の誕生日を祝うと公言］した。 Translation: She declared that she would celebrate his birthday.

⚫︎ 公言 is suitable when someone is making an official announcement, revealing a personal decision, or stating a firm belief publicly. ⚫︎ It is often used in formal settings, like business meetings, press conferences, or official announcements. ⚫︎ It can also be used in more informal settings, especially if the speaker wants to emphasize that their statement is serious and intended to be taken as their final decision. ⚫︎ The verb is typically used with words such as "to declare", "to announce", "to state publicly", or "to make public".

⚫︎ The word is written with the kanji 公 (こう - public, official) and 言 (げん - word, speech, to say). ⚫︎ It's always written in kanji 公言, and the reading is こうげん. ⚫︎ There is no variation in the okurigana for this word.

⚫︎ 発表する (はっぴょうする) - to announce, to present ⚫︎ 表明する (ひょうめいする) - to express, to state ⚫︎ 宣言する (せんげんする) - to declare, to proclaim ⚫︎ 明言する (めいげんする) - to state clearly

⚫︎ 秘密にする (ひみつにする) - to keep secret ⚫︎ 隠す (かくす) - to hide ⚫︎ 黙る (だまる) - to be silent

彼は自分の会社を辞めることを公言］した。 ・Translation: He announced that he would quit his company. ・Explanation: This sentence demonstrates how 公言 is used to indicate a person's public and deliberate announcement of an important decision.

その政治家は、増税に反対すると公言］している。 ・Translation: That politician has publicly stated that he opposes the tax increase. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates how 公言is used to show a firm stance or position on a specific issue.

The word 公言 is a combination of two kanji: 公 (こう), meaning "public" or "official," and 言 (げん), meaning "word" or "speech." Therefore, the literal meaning of 公言 is "public statement" or "official declaration," which accurately represents its current meaning.