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.
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.
日本語は難しい言語です。
Japanese is a difficult language.
言語学を勉強しています。
I'm studying linguistics.
Suffix meaning 'language', attached to country/region names. More common in compounds than standalone.
英語とフランス語を話します。
I speak English and French.
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 言語 or 〜語 instead.
言葉の壁を感じる。
I feel the language barrier.
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.
私は中国語を勉強しています。
I'm studying Chinese.
スペイン語が話せますか？
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).
日本語という言語は複雑です。
The Japanese language is complex.
Referring to the choice of words or the way something is said.
Specifically means 'choice of words', 'wording', or 'language' in the sense of how one speaks.
彼の言葉遣いは丁寧だ。
His language is polite.
言葉遣いに気をつけてください。
Please mind your language.
Means 'way of saying' or 'expression'. Focuses on the manner of speaking rather than the words themselves.
Means 'expression' or 'phrasing'. Often used for artistic or figurative language.
Referring to formal, informal, technical, or other varieties of language.
Literary or written style. Can refer to formal language in writing.
この文章は文体が硬い。
The language of this text is stiff.
Tone or manner of speaking. Refers to the way language is delivered orally.
Referring to gestures, facial expressions, etc.
Loanword from English, widely understood.
ボディーランゲージは文化によって異なります。
Body language differs by culture.
Native Japanese term for gestures and hand movements.
Referring to languages like Python, Java, etc.
Used in compounds like プログラミング言語.
Pythonは人気のあるプログラミング言語です。
Python is a popular programming language.
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).
言語はコミュニケーションの道具です。
Language is a tool for communication.
私は言語を学ぶのが大好きです。
I love learning languages.
彼女はとても丁寧な言葉遣いをします。
She uses very formal language.
その言い方は失礼です。
That's rude language.
この表現は日本語でどう言いますか？
How do you say this expression in Japanese?
His language was angry.
Also used for register, as in polite or casual language.
友達と話すときは、くだけた言葉遣いを使います。
When talking with friends, I use casual language.
言葉が通じなくても、身振り手振りで伝えられます。
Even if language doesn't get through, you can communicate with gestures.