供述（きょうじゅつ、kyoujutsu）
- testimony

The Japanese word 供述 （きょうじゅつ） generally means "statement," "testimony," or "deposition," particularly in legal contexts. It refers to a formal declaration or account of facts, usually given under oath or during an investigation. This word implies a serious and official context where the truthfulness of the statement is crucial. 供述 is often used in criminal investigations, court proceedings, and similar situations. It signifies a recounting of what someone knows or has experienced, presented as evidence or information.

⚫︎警察は容疑者の供述を取った。 Translation: The police took the suspect's statement. ⚫︎裁判で、証人が供述した。 Translation: The witness testified in court. ⚫︎彼は事件について詳細な供述をした。 Translation: He gave a detailed statement about the incident.

供述 is primarily used in formal settings, especially within legal and investigative contexts. You would use this word when talking about statements given to the police, in courtrooms, or during formal inquiries. It is not generally used in everyday conversation about casual stories or opinions. It carries a strong connotation of formality and seriousness.

供述 is written using the kanji 供 (きょう – offer, present, provide) and 述 (じゅつ – state, express, mention). The word is read きょうじゅつ. There are no other common ways to write this word or variations in the okurigana.

⚫︎証言 （しょうげん - testimony, evidence, witness） ⚫︎証言 （しょうげん - testimony, evidence, witness） ⚫︎陳述 （ちんじゅつ - statement, declaration） ⚫︎言明 （げんめい - declaration, assertion）

⚫︎沈黙 (ちんもく - silence)

警察は目撃者の供述をもとに、犯人を探し始めた。 ・Translation: The police started searching for the culprit based on the witness's statement. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates how 供述 is used in the context of a police investigation.

弁護士は、彼の供述］の信憑性を高めようとした。 ・Translation: The lawyer tried to enhance the credibility of his statement. ・Explanation: This sentence shows 《供述 in a legal setting, indicating an attempt to establish the reliability of a statement.

The kanji 供 (きょう) implies offering or providing something, while 述 (じゅつ) means to state or express. Together, 供述 signifies "to provide a statement" or "to offer an account of facts," reflecting its meaning as a formal declaration of information, often for official purposes.