語尾
ご
び
Meanings
1
inflectional ending; word ending
Linguistic term for the inflected part at the end of a word, such as verb or adjective conjugations.
The endings of Japanese verbs change into forms like 'masu' and 'ta'.
2
end of a sentence; sentence ending
Refers to the final part of a sentence, often discussed in terms of style or nuance (e.g., ～だ, ～です, ～よね).
His way of speaking always trails off at the end of sentences.
Usage patterns
- 語尾を伸ばすto draw out/elongate the end of a word or sentence
She drew out the ending and said, "Kawaii~."
- 〈動詞〉の語尾が変わるfor a verb's inflectional ending to change
This verb's ending changes depending on conjugation.
- 語尾が上がるfor the end of a sentence to rise in pitch
In questions, the sentence ending often rises in pitch.
- 語尾を濁すto trail off or leave the end of a sentence vague
He trailed off vaguely, perhaps because the question was hard to answer.