noun
spoken language; colloquial speech
General term for spoken language as opposed to written or literary language. Often contrasted with 文語 (written/literary language).
See also: 文語
口語と文語では表現が大きく異なる。
Expressions differ greatly between spoken and written language.
noun
modern spoken Japanese; colloquial style
Specifically refers to modern spoken Japanese or a writing style based on it, often in contrast to classical literary language (文語).
See also: 文語
この小説は口語体で書かれている。
This novel is written in a colloquial style.