口 語(こうご)

こうご

noun

spoken language, colloquial language

1. spoken language, colloquial language

Everyday spoken language as opposed to literary or written language. In Japanese linguistics, contrasts with 文語(ぶんご) (classical/literary language).

口語(こうご)体(たい)で書(か)いてください。

Please write in colloquial style.

この表現(ひょうげん)は口語(こうご)では使(つか)うが、文章(ぶんしょう)では使(つか)わない。

This expression is used in spoken language but not in writing.

日本語(にほんご)の文法(ぶんぽう)は口語(こうご)と文語(ぶんご)でかなり異(こと)なる。

Japanese grammar differs considerably between spoken and literary language.

Usage

In Japanese linguistics, 口語(こうご) specifically refers to modern spoken/colloquial Japanese, contrasting with 文語(ぶんご) (classical literary Japanese based on Heian-era grammar). This distinction is important in Japanese education, where students learn both 口語(こうご)文法(ぶんぽう) (modern grammar) and 文語(ぶんご)文法(ぶんぽう) (classical grammar).

Common collocations

口語(こうご)体(たい): colloquial style
口語(こうご)文法(ぶんぽう): colloquial/modern grammar
口語(こうご)表現(ひょうげん): colloquial expression
口語(こうご)的(てき): colloquial, conversational

Related Words

Antonym: 文語(ぶんご) (literary language)

Compare: 現代語(げんだいご) (modern language)

Compare: 俗語(ぞくご) (slang)

Compare: 話(はな)し言葉(ことば) (spoken language, colloquial language)

Compare: 書(か)き言葉(ことば) (written language)

Compare: 普通語(ふつうご) (standard language)

general

Added 2026.2.19 22:33 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31

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