言 葉(ことば)

ことば

noun

word, language, expression

1. word, words

A unit of language that carries meaning.

この言葉(ことば)の意味(いみ)がわかりません。

I don't understand the meaning of this word.

彼女(かのじょ)の言葉(ことば)に感動(かんどう)した。

I was moved by her words.

新(あたら)しい言葉(ことば)を覚(おぼ)えました。

I learned a new word.

その言葉(ことば)は使(つか)ったことがありません。

I've never used that word.

適切(てきせつ)な言葉(ことば)が見(み)つからない。

I can't find the right words.

2. language

A system of communication used by people.

日本語(にほんご)は難(むずか)しい言葉(ことば)です。

Japanese is a difficult language.

言葉(ことば)が通(つう)じなくて困(こま)った。

I had trouble because the language didn't get through.

外国(がいこく)の言葉(ことば)を習(なら)いたい。

I want to learn a foreign language.

母国(ぼこく)の言葉(ことば)を大切(たいせつ)にしています。

I treasure my native language.

この地方(ちほう)の言葉(ことば)は独特(どくとく)です。

The language of this region is unique.

3. expression, speech

The way something is said or expressed.

彼(かれ)の言葉(ことば)は丁寧(ていねい)です。

His way of speaking is polite.

言葉(ことば)を選(えら)んで話(はな)してください。

Please choose your words carefully when speaking.

乱暴(らんぼう)な言葉(ことば)を使(つか)わないで。

Don't use rough language.

言葉(ことば)が足(た)りなくてすみません。

I'm sorry for not explaining well.

優(やさ)しい言葉(ことば)をかけてくれた。

They spoke kind words to me.

言葉(ことば) is one of the most fundamental words in Japanese, covering meanings that English splits across "word," "language," and "speech/expression."

COMMON PHRASES:

言葉(ことば)が通(つう)じる: to be understood, to communicate successfully
言葉(ことば)に詰(つ)まる: to be at a loss for words
言葉(ことば)を選(えら)ぶ: to choose one's words carefully
言葉(ことば)をかける: to speak to someone, to address
言葉(ことば)が足(た)りない: to fail to express oneself adequately
言葉(ことば)に甘(あま)える: to take someone at their word

SIMILAR WORDS:

単語(たんご): vocabulary word (individual unit, academic)
語(ご): word (suffix for language names: 日本語(にほんご), 英語(えいご))
用語(ようご): terminology, technical term

NOTE:
When meaning "language," 言葉(ことば) is less formal than 言語(げんご) (language as a system/academic concept). 方言(ほうげん) (dialect) is described as その土地(とち)の言葉(ことば) (the local language).

Related Words

Related: 言語(げんご) (language (academic))

basic

Added 2026.1.11 18:35 · Revised 2026.4.2 13:29

02500/02880_kotoba