言語
gengo[ɡẽ̞ŋɡo̞]
The English word 'language' is translated into Japanese as either 言語 (gengo) or 言葉.
Meaning: body of words used as a form of communication (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 言語 | gengo | [ɡẽ̞ŋɡo̞] (narrow) [ɡõ̞ŋɡo̞] (narrow) |
| 言葉 | kotoba | [ko̞to̞ba̠] (narrow) |
Both terms refer to a body of words used for communication, but they are used in different contexts. 言語 is used when referring to language as a formal system, a field of study or a specific linguistic entity, such as a programming language or the abstract concept of language.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 言葉 is composed of the characters for 'say/word' and 'leaf', metaphorically suggesting that words are like the leaves of a tree.
Which one should you use?
言語 refers specifically to language as a scientific or linguistic system.
How do you pronounce it?
gengo
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 言葉は大切ね。Language is important.This sentence uses 言葉 to express that language is important.Tatoeba #12577570 by small_snow, translation #12335243 by rul
- 言語って難しい。Language is difficult.This sentence uses 言語 to remark that language is difficult.Tatoeba #9943366 by small_snow, translation #9943364 by DJ_Saidez
- トムは言語オタクだ。Tom is a language geek.This sentence uses 言語 to describe someone as a language geek.Tatoeba #2492747 by tommy_san, translation #2609647 by WestofEden
- 日本語は私の一番得意な 言語 です。Japanese is my strongest language.
- ヨーロッパにはたくさんの異なる 言葉 があります。There are many different languages in Europe.
- 166 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Yota are discussing their studies in the library.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太は、どんな言語を勉強したいの？Yota wa, donna gengo o benkyou shitai no?Yota, what language do you want to study?
- 陽太 Yotaやっぱり、英語の言語をマスターしたいな。Yappari, eigo no gengo o masutaa shitai na.I still want to master the English language.
- 陽葵 Himariそれはいい目標だと思うよ。Sore wa ii mokuhyou da to omou yo.I think that is a good goal.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵はどう思う？Hiyori wa dou omou?What do you think, Hiyori?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language” translations and entries 言語, 言葉, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 言葉, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
