Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'foreign language' is most commonly expressed as 外国語 (gaikokugo), but there are nuances depending on context, such as whether you're referring to the language itself, the act of studying it, or a specific foreign language like English.
Referring to any language that is not Japanese, in a general sense.
The standard, neutral word for 'foreign language'. Used in formal and informal contexts.
Studying foreign languages is fun.
He can speak three foreign languages.
A shorter, slightly more formal or written variant of 外国語. Often used in compound words like 外語大学 (university of foreign studies).
I'm majoring in Spanish at the Faculty of Foreign Languages.
When the context makes it clear which foreign language is meant, especially English, Japanese often uses the specific language name.
In many situations, 'foreign language' in English implies English or another specific language. In Japanese, it's more natural to name the language directly, e.g., 英語 (English), フランス語 (French), etc.
I teach a foreign language. (if English is understood)
The foreign language class is English.
Talking about foreign language education, ability, or the concept of learning languages.
Refers to language study, especially foreign languages. Often used in contexts like 語学力 (language ability) or 語学学校 (language school).
I'm good at foreign languages.
Literally 'foreign language learning'. Used when specifically emphasizing the learning aspect.
Emphasizing that something is in a language other than Japanese, often in educational or comparative contexts.
When the foreign language is known (e.g., English, Chinese), it's often more natural to use the specific name (英語, 中国語) rather than the generic 外国語. For example, 'I'm studying a foreign language' is often 英語を勉強しています if it's English.
外国語 refers to the language itself, while 語学 refers to the study or skill of languages. Use 語学 when talking about language ability or learning as a discipline.
speak a foreign language
be good at languages
I want to study abroad to learn a foreign language.
An app useful for foreign language learning
Acquiring a language other than one's mother tongue is difficult.