言葉
kotoba[ko̞to̞ba̠]
The Japanese phrase for "words" is 言葉 (kotoba).
言葉 refers to words in a general, expressive or linguistic sense. It can be used to mean specific "words" or the broader concept of "language" or "speech" in general.
Which one should you use?
While 言葉 refers to words in a general, expressive or linguistic sense, 単語 is used specifically for individual lexical units or vocabulary items in a linguistic or educational context.
Did you know?
- The component こと in 言葉 is a cognate of the word for 'thing' or 'event'. In ancient Japanese, the line between a 'word' and the 'thing' it described was very thin.
- Depending on the context, 言葉 can be used to mean a 'promise' or a 'vow'. In this sense, the 'words' are the binding commitment itself.
- Japanese has a concept called ことばづかい, which refers specifically to the 'way one uses words'. This encompasses not just grammar, but the social appropriateness and etiquette of speech.
Examples in context
- 言葉を失った。I was at a loss for words.Tatoeba #10045029 by small_snow, translation #38907 by CK
- 私は言葉を失った。I'm at a loss for words.Tatoeba #1050420 by bunbuku, translation #1286 by wakaran
- 彼は言葉を失った。Words failed him.Tatoeba #3447523 by arnab, translation #291950 by CH
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- 五Five
- 六Six
- 七Seven
- 八Eight
- 九Nine
- 十Ten
- 111 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing a beautiful poem.
- 健太 Kentaこの詩の言葉は、とても美しいですね。Kono shi no kotoba wa, totemo utsukushii desu ne.The words in this poem are very beautiful, aren't they?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、心に響く言葉ばかりです。Hai, kokoro ni hibiku kotoba bakari desu.Yes, they are all words that touch the heart.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは、好きな言葉がありますか？Himari-san wa, sukina kotoba ga arimasu ka?Himari, do you have any favorite words?
- 陽葵 Himari「ありがとう」という言葉が一番好きです。「Arigatou」 to iu kotoba ga ichiban suki desu.I like the word "thank you" the most.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
