方言(ほうげん)

ほうげん
noun
dialect; regional language
1. dialect; regional language; local speech
A variety of language spoken in a particular region that differs from the standard language in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar.
彼女(かのじょ)は関西(かんさい)方言(ほうげん)を話(はな)す。
She speaks the Kansai dialect.
この言葉(ことば)は東北(とうほく)地方(ちほう)の方言(ほうげん)です。
This word is from the Tohoku dialect.
方言(ほうげん)には地域(ちいき)の文化(ぶんか)が反映(はんえい)されている。
Dialects reflect the culture of their regions.

JAPANESE DIALECTS:
Japan has many regional dialects, broadly categorized as:

  • 関西弁(かんさいべん) - Kansai dialect (Osaka, Kyoto area)
  • 東北弁(とうほくべん) - Tohoku dialect (northeastern Japan)
  • 九州弁(きゅうしゅうべん) - Kyushu dialect
  • 北海道弁(ほっかいどうべん) - Hokkaido dialect
  • 沖縄方言(おきなわほうげん) - Okinawan dialects

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 方言(ほうげん)を話(はな)す - to speak a dialect
  • 方言(ほうげん)が出(で)る - dialect comes out (unintentionally)
  • 方言(ほうげん)が強(つよ)い - to have a strong dialect
  • お国(くに)言葉(ことば) - regional speech (more casual/affectionate term)

RELATED VOCABULARY:

  • 標準語(ひょうじゅんご) - standard language
  • 訛(なま)り - accent, dialect influence
  • 共通語(きょうつうご) - common language
  • 土地(とち)言葉(ことば) - local speech

CULTURAL NOTE:
Dialects are increasingly valued as cultural heritage. Many people use dialect with family and friends while speaking 標準語(ひょうじゅんご) in formal settings.

REGISTER:
Neutral. Standard term for academic and everyday use.

Related Words

Related: 標準語(ひょうじゅんご) (standard language)
Related: 訛(なま)り (accent)
general
Added 2026.1.19 17:12 · Revised 2026.1.24 23:24
07000/07419_hougen