noun
Chinese; Korean; foreign language; incomprehensible language
Archaic term. Originally referred to Chinese or Korean, but extended to any foreign language or speech one cannot understand. Not used in modern Japanese; replaced by 外国語 or specific language names.
昔の人は、外国の言葉をまとめて「からことば」と呼んだ。
People long ago called foreign languages collectively 'karakotoba'.
この古文書には、唐語で書かれた部分がある。
This old document has a section written in a foreign language (karakotoba).
Modern standard term for 'foreign language'. からことば is archaic and carries a nuance of exotic or incomprehensible speech.
Modern term for 'Chinese language'. からことば historically could mean Chinese, but is now obsolete.
Modern term for 'Korean language'. からことば historically could mean Korean, but is now obsolete.
Compound of から (kara, 'foreign', originally referring to Tang China or Korea) and ことば (kotoba, 'language'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term reflects an older worldview where 'foreign' was often equated with Chinese or Korean influence.