Translation guide
The English term 'parent language' refers to an earlier language from which one or more later languages are derived. In Japanese, this concept is expressed using specific linguistic terminology, primarily in academic or technical contexts.
The language from which a given language is historically derived, such as Latin for the Romance languages.
The standard linguistic term for a parent or proto-language. Used in academic contexts.
ラテン語はロマンス諸語の祖語です。
Latin is the parent language of the Romance languages.
インド・ヨーロッパ祖語は多くの現代言語の祖語と考えられている。
Proto-Indo-European is considered the parent language of many modern languages.
Literally 'mother language', this can mean 'parent language' in a linguistic sense, but more commonly means 'native language' or 'mother tongue'. Use with caution to avoid ambiguity.
Often means 'native language' rather than 'parent language'. Context must make the historical linguistic meaning clear.
A direct translation of 'parent language', occasionally used in linguistics but less common than 祖語.
この言語の親言語は何ですか？
What is the parent language of this language?
Sanskrit is the parent language of many Indian languages.