日本語
nihongo[ɲ̟ihõ̞ŋɡo̞]
The Japanese term for the Japanese language is 日本語 (nihongo). If unsure, use 日本語. Wiktionary also lists ジャパニーズ (Japanīzu).
Meaning: Japanese language (name)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 日本語 | nihongo | [ɲ̟ihõ̞ŋɡo̞] (narrow) [ɲ̟ip̚põ̞ŋɡo̞] (narrow) |
|
| ジャパニーズ | Japanīzu | [d͡ʑa̠pa̠ɲ̟iːzɨ] (narrow) | colloquial |
日本語 is the most common and standard way to refer to the Japanese language. You can use it when talking about the language itself, such as in the phrase 日本語の勉強 (nihongo no benkyō), which means studying Japanese.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
日本語 is the standard term. The katakana transcription ジャパニーズ (Japanīzu) is used colloquially and informally. It sounds more like a loanword from English than the native term.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'Japanese' as an adjective to modify a noun, such as 'Japanese food', you add the particle の to the language name, creating 日本語の (nihongo no).
How do you pronounce it?
nihongo
Did you know?
- The characters for 'Japan' in 日本語, which are 日本, literally translate to 'sun origin', which is why Japan is often called the 'Land of the Rising Sun'.
- While 日本語 is the name of the language, the word 日本 (Japan) can be pronounced as either 'Nihon' or 'Nippon'. The 'Nippon' pronunciation is often used on postage stamps and banknotes to sound more formal and patriotic.
- The katakana word ジャパニーズ is often used in fashion, music and branding to give a product a modern or 'Western' feel, even if the product is made in Japan.
Examples in context
- 日本語を話します。We speak Japanese.This sentence shows how to use 日本語 to indicate speaking the language.Tatoeba #8555401 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #249142 by CN
- 日本語、難しいね。Japanese is hard, isn't it?This sentence uses 日本語 to express that the language is difficult.Tatoeba #10127771 by small_snow, translation #10127781 by DJ_Saidez
- 日本語は話せますか。Do you speak Japanese?This sentence uses 日本語 to ask about someone's ability to speak the language.Tatoeba #122333 by KK_kaku_, translation #69058 by autuno
- Nihongo de hanashite kudasai (日本語で話してください)Please speak in Japanese
- Nihongo wakaru? (日本語わかる？)Do you understand Japanese?
- 344 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking about their studies at the dining table.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵は日本語を勉強しているの？Himari wa nihongo o benkyou shite iru no?Himari, are you studying Japanese?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、日本語の教科書を読んでいるよ。Un, nihongo no kyoukasho o yonde iru yo.Yes, I am reading a Japanese textbook.
- 陽太 Yotaすごいね、陽太も頑張るよ。Sugoi ne, Youta mo ganbaru yo.That's amazing, Youta will do his best too.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太兄さんも一緒にどう？Youta nii-san mo issho ni dou?Why don't you join me, Youta?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “japanese” translations and entries 日本語, ジャパニーズ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ジャパニーズ, 日本語, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
