1.
Chinese language
The Chinese language, including its various dialects such as Mandarin and Cantonese. In most contexts refers to Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin).
中国語を勉強しています。
I'm studying Chinese.
中国語の発音は難しい。
Chinese pronunciation is difficult.
大学で中国語と英語を専攻しました。
I majored in Chinese and English at university.
中国語 refers to the Chinese language. In everyday use, it typically means Mandarin (普通話).
WORD FORMATION:
中国 (China) + 語 (language). The suffix ~語 forms language names: 日本語, 英語, 韓国語, etc.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 中国語を話す: to speak Chinese
- 中国語を勉強する: to study Chinese
- 中国語の発音: Chinese pronunciation
- 中国語検定: Chinese language proficiency test
SPECIFIC VARIETIES:
- 広東語: Cantonese
- 普通話: Mandarin (standard Chinese)
- 台湾語: Taiwanese