How to Say "English Language" in Japanese

英語

Eigo[e̞ːɡo̞]

The English phrase "english language" is translated into Japanese as 英語 (Eigo).

英語 is used to refer to the language that originated in England and is spoken in many countries worldwide.

Which one should you use?

While 英語 is the standard term for the English language, using イギリス語 (British language) is rare and sounds unnatural in most contexts.

In some regions, people might refer to the English Language as Igirisu-go.

Adding the particle の after 英語 turns the noun into an adjective to modify other nouns, such as 英語の新聞 (English newspaper).

Eigo

The term 英語 was influenced by the Chinese compound 英语, showing how Japanese borrowed linguistic naming conventions from China.
Japanese people often use the katakana word イングリッシュ (Ingurisshu) to refer to the language in specific contexts like music or certain types of food, rather than using 英語.
Because 英語 is often taught as a core subject, many Japanese speakers associate the word directly with standardized testing rather than just communication.

英語とのリンクを外しました。
The English language link was removed.
This sentence is useful for seeing 英語 used in the context of a removed link.
Tatoeba #9039640 by small_snow, translation #10218201 by terrywallwork
英語とそれに関する全てが嫌だ。
I hate the English language and everything related to it.
This sentence shows 英語 used to express a dislike for the language.
Tatoeba #11029620 by small_snow, translation #1881922 by DJ_Saidez
父は中学校で英語を教えています。
My father is teaching the English language in middle school.
This sentence demonstrates 英語 used when describing a subject being taught in school.
Tatoeba #3050905 by tommy_san, translation #10194469 by terrywallwork
14 more sentences on Tatoeba

Misaki and Ren are discussing their study goals for the year.

美咲 Misaki

今年は英語を勉強したいです。
Kotoshi wa eigo o benkyou shitai desu.
I want to study English this year.
蓮 Ren

いいですね。一緒に勉強しましょうか。
Ii desu ne. Issho ni benkyou shimashou ka.
That sounds good. Shall we study together?
美咲 Misaki

はい、蓮さんなら助かります。
Hai, Ren-san nara tasukarimasu.
Yes, it would be helpful if it's you, Ren.
蓮 Ren

僕も英語を上達させたいです。
Boku mo eigo o joutatsu sasetai desu.
I want to improve my English too.

Sources

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