‘宣言’ (xuān yán) is a formal noun meaning ‘declaration’ or ‘manifesto’—a public, official statement expressing principles, intentions, or positions. The first character 宣 (xuān) means ‘to proclaim’ or ‘to announce’, and the second character 言 (yán) means ‘speech’ or ‘words’. Together, they literally mean ‘proclaimed words’, emphasizing authority, intentionality, and public dissemination. It is commonly used in political, diplomatic, legal, and organizational contexts—such as national independence declarations, human rights manifestos, or corporate mission statements.

This word carries a serious, solemn register and is rarely used in casual speech. It often appears in headlines, formal documents, or historical accounts. While it can occasionally appear in literary or rhetorical contexts (e.g., a poet’s artistic ‘declaration’), its core function remains tied to authoritative, collective, or institutional expression—not personal opinions or informal announcements.