일본어
Ilboneo[iɭbo̞nʌ̹]
In Korean, the phrase for the Japanese language is 일본어 (Ilboneo). Wiktionary also lists 일어 (Ireo) and 일본말 (Ilbonmal).
Meaning: Japanese language (name)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 일본어 | Ilboneo | [iɭbo̞nʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 일어 | Ireo | [iɾʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 일본말 | Ilbonmal |
The term refers specifically to the Japanese language.
What does it mean word for word?
일본어 is composed of 일본, meaning Japan and 어, meaning language. The term 일본말 combines 일본, meaning Japan and 말, meaning speech or language.
Which one should you use?
일본어 is the standard, formal term used in academic or official contexts, whereas 일어 is a common contraction. 일본말 is a more colloquial way to refer to the language compared to 일본어.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the Japanese language as a formal entity or a subject of study, 일본어 is the most appropriate choice.
How do you pronounce it?
Ilboneo
Did you know?
- In historical texts, the Japanese language was sometimes referred to as 왜어, derived from 왜, an ancient Korean name for the people of Japan.
- The word 일본 (Japan) is composed of the characters for 'sun' and 'origin', which is why the abbreviated 일어 literally translates to 'sun language'.
- The word 말 in 일본말 is a native Korean word, whereas the 어 in 일본어 is a Sino-Korean element, creating a linguistic blend of different origins within a single phrase.
Examples in context
- 그녀는 일본어를 잘 한다.She speaks Japanese well.This sentence shows how to use 일본어 to describe speaking a language well.Tatoeba #11105620 by intertime, translation #5332605 by Adelpa
- 저는 일본어, 영어, 프랑스어를 할 수 있습니다.I speak Japanese, English, and French.This sentence lists 일본어 among other languages one can speak.Tatoeba #13250329 by qiwiwi, translation #259822 by CK
- 난 일어 교사다.I'm a Japanese language teacher.This sentence uses the contraction 일어 to describe a teacher of the language.Tatoeba #3684954 by rainbow4us, translation #1008007 by AOCinJAPAN
- 저는 일본어를 배우고 있습니다.I am learning Japanese.
- 일본어를 잘 하시는군요.You speak Japanese well.
- 일본어 몇 단어 아세요?How many Japanese words do you know?
- 일어 공부 좀 해봐!Try studying Japanese a bit!
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are discussing their language classes.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 요즘 뭐 배워요?Minji ssi, yo-jeum mwo bae-wo-yo?Minji, what are you learning these days?
- 민지 Min-ji저는 요즘 일본어 공부하고 있어요.Jeo-neun yo-jeum il-bon-eo gong-bu-ha-go is-seo-yo.I am studying Japanese these days.
- 도현 Do-hyeon와, 일본어 정말 어렵지 않아요?Wa, il-bon-eo jeong-mal eo-ryeop-ji an-a-yo?Wow, isn't Japanese really difficult?
- 민지 Min-ji조금 어렵지만 아주 재미있어요.Jo-geum eo-ryeop-ji-man a-ju jae-mi-is-seo-yo.It is a bit difficult, but it's very fun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “japanese” translations and entries 일본어, 일어, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 일본어, 일어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
