Translation guide
The set of words known or used by a person, or the words of a language. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with 語彙 (ごい), but depending on context, other terms like 単語 (たんご) for 'word' or 言葉 (ことば) for 'language/words' may be more natural.
Referring to someone's personal set of words, such as 'my vocabulary', 'expand your vocabulary', or 'limited vocabulary'.
The standard term for 'vocabulary' as a collection of words. Used in both casual and formal contexts.
He has a rich vocabulary.
語彙を増やすために本を読んでいる。
I'm reading books to increase my vocabulary.
Literally 'word power', often used in educational contexts to refer to vocabulary ability or the number of words one knows.
単語力をつけるには、毎日少しずつ覚えることが大切です。
To build your vocabulary, it's important to learn a little every day.
A more colloquial way to say 'the words I know'. Useful when 語彙 feels too technical.
知っている言葉が少なくて、うまく話せない。
I don't know many words, so I can't speak well.
Referring to the entire set of words in a language, or specialized terminology, e.g., 'English vocabulary', 'technical vocabulary'.
Used for the vocabulary of a language or a specific domain. Often combined with the language name.
英語の語彙はとても多い。
English vocabulary is very large.
医学の語彙を勉強している。
I'm studying medical vocabulary.
Refers to terminology or jargon specific to a field. Often used for technical or specialized vocabulary.
Referring to a set of words compiled for study, such as a vocabulary list or flashcards.
The most direct translation for 'vocabulary list'. Commonly used in study contexts.
明日のテストのために単語リストを覚えなきゃ。
I have to memorize the vocabulary list for tomorrow's test.
A vocabulary notebook or word book. Often used for a physical or digital collection of words to study.
単語帳を作って通勤中に復習している。
I made a vocabulary notebook and review it during my commute.
語彙 (ごい) refers to the collective vocabulary or lexicon. 単語 (たんご) means an individual word. 言葉 (ことば) can mean 'word', 'language', or 'expression' in a broader sense. Use 語彙 when talking about the set of words, 単語 when referring to a specific word, and 言葉 for more general contexts.
この単語の意味は何ですか？
What is the meaning of this word?
日本語の語彙を増やしたい。
I want to increase my Japanese vocabulary.
The technical vocabulary in this field is difficult.