língua
neutral
In Portugal "language" is língua or idioma. Linguagem refers to language as a general ability or style, such as body language.
Meaning: system of human speech (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| língua | neutral |
| idioma | neutral |
| linguagem | abstract |
You ask Que língua falas? or Qual é o seu idioma? Língua also means "tongue" in the mouth.
Which one should you use?
Língua is the most common word in speech. Idioma sounds a little more formal.
How does it change in a sentence?
Língua and linguagem are feminine, but idioma is masculine, so you say o idioma.
Did you know?
- The word língua comes from the Latin lingua, which also meant both the tongue and the language.
Examples in context
- A língua portuguesa é falada em vários países.Portuguese is spoken in several countries.
- Qual é o teu idioma materno?What is your mother tongue?
- A linguagem do corpo diz muito.Body language says a lot.
Example conversation
Teresa and a visitor, Paul, talk about languages at a Lisbon language school.
- TeresaQue língua falas em casa?What language do you speak at home?
- PaulFalo inglês e um pouco de alemão.I speak English and a little German.
- TeresaE português?And Portuguese?
