異なる言語
kotonaru gengo
The English phrase "different languages" is translated into Japanese as 異なる言語 (kotonaru gengo).
The phrase refers to languages that are not the same as each other. If you wish to state that you speak a specific language, you can use the pattern Watashi wa X-go ga hanasemasu (私はX語が話せます) to say "I speak X language".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 異なる (kotonaru), which means "to differ" or "to be different" and 言語 (gengo), which means "language".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
異なる言語 is a formal and literary way to express this idea. In everyday spoken Japanese, the colloquial form 違う言語 is more common.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 異なる言語 as a modifier for a noun, such as in the phrase "different languages' speakers", you add the particle の after the phrase to form 異なる言語の.
How do you pronounce it?
kotonaru gengo
Did you know?
- The concept of using a 'common tongue' to bridge 異なる言語 is often associated with 共通語 (kyōtsūgo), which in Japan specifically refers to the standard Tokyo dialect used across different regional prefectures.
- While 異なる means 'to differ', the word 違う (chigau) is so common that it is often used to mean 'no' or 'wrong' in daily conversation, regardless of whether a comparison is being made.
- Japanese learners often encounter 外来語 (gairaigo), a term for words from 'different languages' that are written in katakana to signal they are foreign, even if they have been used for centuries.
Examples in context
- 異なる言語を話すことは楽しいです。Kotonaru gengo o hanasu koto wa tanoshii desu.It is fun to speak different languages.
- このアプリは異なる言語に対応しています。Kono apuri wa kotonaru gengo ni taiou shite imasu.This app supports different languages.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are talking about their travel plans.
- 蓮 Renヨーロッパに行けば、多くの異なる言語があるね。Yōroppa ni ikeba, ōku no kotonaru gengo ga aru ne.If we go to Europe, there are many different languages, aren't there?
- 陽葵 Himariそうだね。翻訳アプリが必要かも。Sō da ne. Hon'yaku apuri ga hitsuyō kamo.You're right. We might need a translation app.
- 蓮 Ren英語だけで大丈夫かな？Eigo dake de daijōbu kana?I wonder if English alone will be enough.
- 陽葵 Himariきっと大丈夫だと思うよ、蓮君。Kitto daijōbu da to omou yo, Ren-kun.I'm sure it will be fine, Ren.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
