'朗读' (lǎng dú) is a verb meaning 'to read aloud' — emphasizing clear, expressive, and audible reading, often with attention to pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. The first character 朗 (lǎng) means 'clear', 'loud', or 'bright', suggesting openness and clarity; the second character 读 (dú) means 'to read'. Together, they convey the idea of reading in a way that is intelligible to others — not silent or mumbled, but deliberate and vocal.

This word is commonly used in educational settings (e.g., language learning, literature classes), public speaking practice, or daily routines like morning reading sessions. It implies intentionality and performance: you're not just decoding text, but communicating it outwardly. Unlike the neutral '读' (dú), which can mean silent or aloud reading, '朗读' always specifies vocalization — often for practice, assessment, or presentation purposes.