母国語
bokokugo[bo̞ko̞kɯ̟ɡo̞]
The English phrase 'mother tongue' can be translated into Japanese as 母国語 (bokokugo). Wiktionary also lists 母語 (bogo) and 自国語 (jikokugo).
Meaning: one's native tongue (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 母国語 | bokokugo | [bo̞ko̞kɯ̟ɡo̞] (narrow) |
| 母語 | bogo | [bo̞ɡo̞] (narrow) |
| 自国語 | jikokugo |
These terms refer to the language a person speaks as their native tongue. While they both translate to 'mother tongue', they carry different nuances depending on whether you are focusing on the language itself or the connection to a specific country.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 母国語 is composed of 母 (mother), 国 (country) and 語 (language), literally meaning 'mother country language'. The term 母語 is composed of 母 (mother) and 語 (language), meaning 'mother language'.
Which one should you use?
母語 (bogo) focuses on the linguistic aspect of the language one acquired from birth. In contrast, 母国語 (bokokugo) emphasizes the language of one's home country.
How do you pronounce it?
bokokugo
Did you know?
- The Japanese word 母語 is actually a 'calque', meaning it was created by translating the English phrase 'mother tongue' or the French 'langue mère' word for word.
- The character 母 (mother) found in 母国語 also appears in 母校 (bokkō), which translates to 'mother school' or alma mater.
- If you use 母国語 when speaking to someone of mixed heritage, you might accidentally imply they belong to a specific nation, whereas 母語 remains neutral regarding their nationality.
Examples in context
- 母語は何ですか？What is your mother tongue?This sentence is useful for asking someone what their mother tongue is using 母語.Tatoeba #233031 by KK_kaku_, translation #70402 by CC
- 私の母語は日本語です。My mother tongue is Japanese.This sentence is useful for stating that Japanese is one's mother tongue using 母語.Tatoeba #162648 by Sim5634, translation #251866 by Zifre
- 英語は私の母国語です。English is my mother tongue.This sentence is useful for stating that English is one's mother tongue using 母国語.Tatoeba #189121 by bunbuku, translation #510531 by CN
- 母国語で話すことが一番自然です。Speaking in my mother tongue feels the most natural.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are talking about language learning at school.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんの母国語はスペイン語なんですね。Kentasan no bokokugo wa Supeingo nan desu ne.So your mother tongue is Spanish, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaはい、でも今は日本語を勉強しています。Hai, demo ima wa Nihongo o benkyou shite imasu.Yes, but I am studying Japanese now.
- 美咲 Misaki母国語以外に、何か話せますか？Bokokugo igai ni, nanika hanasemasu ka?Can you speak anything other than your mother tongue?
- 健太 Kenta英語も少し話せます。Eigo mo sukoshi hanasemasu.I can also speak a little English.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mother tongue” translations and entries 母国語, 母語, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 母国語, 母語, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
