Translation guide
The English word "language" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common equivalent is 言語 (gengo), but depending on context, you may need words for national languages, wording, speech style, or body language. This guide breaks down the main uses and their natural Japanese expressions.
What is the Japanese word for language?
Use 〜語 for specific languages like 英語 (English).
Referring to language in general, a specific language, or the human faculty of language.
The standard, formal word for 'language' as a system. Used in academic, technical, and everyday contexts.
Japanese is a difficult language.
Suffix meaning 'language', attached to country/region names. More common in compounds than standalone.
Often translated as 'language', but more accurately means 'word(s)' or 'speech'. Can refer to language in a broader, more everyday sense, but 言語 is preferred for the abstract system.
Avoid using 言葉 when you specifically mean a named language system; use or instead.
Naming a language like English, Japanese, etc.
The most common way to name a language. Simply add 語 (ご) to the country or region name.
Referring to the choice of words or the way something is said.
Referring to formal, informal, technical, or other varieties of language.
Referring to gestures, facial expressions, etc.
Referring to languages like Python, Java, etc.
Used in compounds like プログラミング言語.
言語 (gengo) is the formal, academic term for 'language' as a system. 言葉 (kotoba) is more everyday and can mean 'word', 'speech', or 'language' in a broad sense. When talking about language as a concept, 言語 is safer. When talking about wording or expression, 言葉遣い or 言い方 may be better.
The English phrase 'mind your language' is not directly translated. Use 言葉遣いに気をつけて (be careful of your wording) or 口の利き方に気をつけろ (watch your mouth, rough).
Language is a tool for communication.
I'm studying linguistics.
I speak English and French.
I feel the language barrier.
I'm studying Chinese.
Can you speak Spanish?
Used in formal contexts or when emphasizing the linguistic system, e.g., 日本語という言語 (the language called Japanese).
The Japanese language is complex.
Specifically means 'choice of words', 'wording', or 'language' in the sense of how one speaks.
His language is polite.
Please mind your language.
Means 'way of saying' or 'expression'. Focuses on the manner of speaking rather than the words themselves.
That's rude language.
Means 'expression' or 'phrasing'. Often used for artistic or figurative language.
How do you say this expression in Japanese?
Literary or written style. Can refer to formal language in writing.
The language of this text is stiff.
Tone or manner of speaking. Refers to the way language is delivered orally.
His language was angry.
Also used for register, as in polite or casual language.
When talking with friends, I use casual language.
Loanword from English, widely understood.
Body language differs by culture.
Native Japanese term for gestures and hand movements.
Even if language doesn't get through, you can communicate with gestures.
Python is a popular programming language.
I love learning languages.
She uses very formal language.