言語を変更する
gengo o henkou suru
The English phrase "change language" is translated into Japanese as 言語を変更する (gengo o henkou suru).
Which one should you use?
While 言語を変更する is a standard way to say "change language", you may also encounter 言語の切り替え, which literally translates to "switch the language" and 言語を変える, which is a simpler way to express the same idea.
How do you pronounce it?
gengo o henkou suru
Did you know?
- In Japanese digital interfaces, you will often see 切り替え (kirikae) used for switching languages, which shares a root with the action of 'cutting' or 'switching tracks' on a railway.
- Japanese uses a specific word, 翻訳 (honyaku), for translating written text, while 通訳 (tsuyaku), meaning 'interpreting', is used for spoken language changes.
- The kanji 言 in 言語 depicts a mouth with words coming out of it, which is a pictograph for the act of speaking.
Examples in context
- すみません、このデバイスの言語を変更できますか？Excuse me, can you change the language on this device?
- 会議の言語を切り替える必要がありますか？Do we need to switch the language for the meeting?
- このアプリの言語を変える方法を教えてくれる？Can you tell me how to change the language in this app?
- 設定で言語を変更する。Settei de gengo o henkou suru.Change the language in the settings.
- 表示する言語を変更する。Hyoji suru gengo o henkou suru.Change the language being displayed.
- アプリの言語を変更する。Apuri no gengo o henkou suru.Change the language of the app.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are looking at a smartphone settings screen.
- 結衣 Yui英語にしたいんだけど、どうすればいい？Eigo ni shitai ndakedo, dou sureba ii?I want to make it English, what should I do?
- 蓮 Ren設定から言語を変更するんだよ。Settei kara gengo o henkou suru ndayo.You change the language from the settings.
- 結衣 Yuiあ、できた！ありがとう、蓮くん。A, dekita! Arigatou, Ren-kun.Oh, I did it! Thanks, Ren.
- 蓮 Renよかった。使いやすいね。Yokatta. Tsukaiyasui ne.I'm glad. It's easy to use, isn't it?
