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外語 (がいご, gaigo) Japanese meaning: foreign language | Kotomora

外がい語ご

が

い

ご

Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

foreign language

General term for any language other than one's native language. Often used in educational contexts or when contrasting with 国語 (national language).

大だい学がくで外がい語ごを専せん攻こうしています。
I'm majoring in a foreign language at university.

Kanji

外outside
語word, speech, language

Related words

外がい国こく語ご
More common and explicit term for 'foreign language'. 外語 is a slightly more formal or abbreviated variant, often used in compound words like 外語大学 (university of foreign studies).
国こく語ご
Refers to one's national language (Japanese for Japanese speakers). Often contrasted with 外語 in educational settings.

Etymology

Compound of 外 (outside, foreign) and 語 (language). A straightforward kanji compound meaning 'outside language'.

外がい語ごの習しゅう得とくには時じ間かんがかかる。

Acquiring a foreign language takes time.