一般的な単語
ippanteki na tango
The English phrase "common words" is translated into Japanese as 一般的な単語 (ippanteki na tango).
The phrase refers to words that are frequently used and known by most speakers of a language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 一般的な (ippanteki na), which means "general" or "common," and 単語 (tango), meaning "word." The first part is formed by combining ippan (general/common) with the suffix -teki, which turns a noun into an adjective-like form.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Japanese, nouns do not change form to indicate plurality. Therefore, 一般的な単語 can mean either "a common word" or "common words" depending on the context of the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
ippanteki na tango
Did you know?
- If you mean 'common words' in the sense of clichés or overused phrases, you must use 決まり文句 (kimari monku) instead of 一般的な単語.
- Using 普通 (futsuu) instead of 一般的 (ippanteki) to say 'common' can change the meaning from 'widely used' to 'unremarkable' or 'plain'.
- The word 単語 is a Sino-Japanese word, meaning it was borrowed from Chinese, which gives it a more academic and formal feeling than native Japanese words.
Examples in context
- これは一般的な単語です。Kore wa ippanteki na tango desu.This is a common word.
- 一般的な単語を覚えてください。Ippanteki na tango o oboete kudasai.Please memorize the common words.
- 一般的な単語は使いやすいです。Ippanteki na tango wa tsukaiyasui desu.Common words are easy to use.
Example conversation
Yui is helping Daisho study for a language test.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さん、この単語は難しいですか？Daisho-san, kono tango wa muzukashii desu ka?Daisho, is this word difficult?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、あまり一般的ではない単語だと思います。Hai, amari ippanteki de wa nai tango da to omoimasu.Yes, I think it's not a very common word.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、もっと一般的な単語に書き換えましょう。Jaa, motto ippanteki na tango ni kakikaemashou.Then, let's rewrite it using a more common word.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうですね。その方がいいです。Sou desu ne. Sono hou ga ii desu.You're right. That would be better.
