国語
Meanings
Refers to the language or languages treated as belonging to or representing a country. In context, this can overlap with official-language or language-policy discussions, but it is not always identical to 法定の公用語.
In that country, multiple languages are recognized as national languages.
Japanese language; Japanese as a school subject
In Japan, 国語 commonly means the Japanese language as taught at school, including reading, writing, kanji, grammar, and literature. This sense is strongly associated with school timetables, classes, tests, and textbooks.
See also: 国語科
We read Run, Melos! in Japanese class.
I have a Japanese-language test tomorrow.
one's native language; mother tongue
Used for the language one naturally belongs to or grew up with, especially in more formal or older-sounding contexts. In modern everyday Japanese, 母語 or 母国語 is usually clearer for an individual's native language.
Even after living abroad for a long time, he did not forget his mother tongue.
native Japanese words; Yamato words
A specialized or older use meaning native Japanese vocabulary, contrasted with 漢語 and 外来語. The usual modern linguistic term for this is 和語.
In older classifications, words such as 山 and 川 may be called native Japanese words, while 電話 is called a Sino-Japanese word.
Usage patterns
- 国語が得意だ／苦手だto be good at / weak in Japanese (as a school subject)
My little brother is weak in Japanese but good at math.
- 国語の教科書Japanese-language textbook (used at school)
I read a story that appears in our Japanese textbook.
- 国語を専攻するto major in Japanese-language studies (linguistics/education)
She majored in Japanese-language studies at university and became a teacher.