How to Say "Language" in Italian

lingua

/ˈlin.ɡwa/feminine

The Italian word for language is lingua.

Lingua is used to refer to a specific spoken language or the general concept of language, similar to how the word is used in English.

Meaning: body of words used as a form of communication (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, lingua means 'tongue', referring to both the anatomical organ in the mouth and the medium of communication.

In Northern Italy, specifically in regions like Lombardy and Piedmont, the term linga is used for language in local dialects.

The plural form of lingua is lingue.

The pronunciation is /ˈlin.ɡwa/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.

If someone is described as having a lingua lunga, it does not mean their tongue is physically long, but that they are a gossip who cannot keep a secret.
The term lingua franca originated in the Mediterranean to describe a pidgin language based on Italian used for trade between Europeans and Muslims.
In certain Italian culinary contexts, the term 'lingua' can refer specifically to a dish of beef tongue.

È una bella lingua.
It is a beautiful language.
This sentence uses lingua to describe the beauty of a language.
Tatoeba #6559765 by Guybrush88, translation #5179059 by RobinvanderVliet
È una lingua morta.
It's a dead language.
This sentence uses lingua to describe a dead language.
Tatoeba #6559989 by Guybrush88, translation #6046849 by mailohilohi
Che lingua è quella?
What language is that?
This sentence uses lingua to ask which language is being referred to.
Tatoeba #6559703 by Guybrush88, translation #6483318 by mailohilohi
La lingua italiana è molto bella
The Italian language is very beautiful
Mi piace la lingua italiana
I like the Italian language
Qual è la tua lingua nativa?
What is your native language?
Hai studiato molti linguaggi informatici
You have studied many programming languages
La parlata napoletana è ricca di espressioni colorite
The Neapolitan spoken language is full of colorful expressions
1075 more sentences on Tatoeba

Martina and Matteo are discussing their studies at a cafe.

Martina

La lingua italiana è molto musicale.
The Italian language is very musical.
Matteo

Sì, ma è anche difficile.
Yes, but it is also difficult.
Martina

Vuoi imparare una nuova lingua?
Do you want to learn a new language?
Matteo

Forse vorrei studiare il giapponese.
Maybe I would like to study Japanese.

Sources

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