1.
word ending; inflectional ending; suffix
The final part of a word, especially the part that changes during conjugation or inflection. Also refers to the trailing tone or intonation at the end of a spoken phrase.
動詞の語尾が変化する。
The verb ending changes.
語尾を上げると質問に聞こえる。
If you raise the ending, it sounds like a question.
日本語では語尾を変えるだけで、丁寧さの度合いが大きく変わる。
In Japanese, just changing the word ending greatly changes the level of politeness.
語尾 is a compound of 語 (word) and 尾 (tail). It refers to the ending or final portion of a word.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 語尾が変化する (the ending changes)
- 語尾を上げる (raise the ending intonation)
- 語尾を伸ばす (stretch out the ending)
In grammar discussions, 語尾 refers to inflectional endings that change during conjugation (e.g., the ending of a verb that changes between dictionary form and past tense). In spoken language, it can also refer to the intonation or trailing sound at the end of a sentence, such as the rising tone that marks a question.