修飾語(しゅうしょくご)

しゅうしょくご
noun
modifier (grammar)
formallanguage
1. modifier; modifying word or phrase (grammar)
A word or phrase that adds information to or limits the meaning of another word. Includes both adjectives (modifying nouns) and adverbs (modifying verbs).
「美(うつく)しい」は修飾語(しゅうしょくご)だ。
'Beautiful' is a modifier.
修飾語(しゅうしょくご)は被修飾語(ひしゅうしょくご)の前(まえ)に置(お)く。
The modifier is placed before the word it modifies.
作文(さくぶん)で修飾語(しゅうしょくご)を使(つか)いすぎると、文(ぶん)がわかりにくくなる。
If you overuse modifiers in writing, sentences become hard to understand.

A standard grammar term used in Japanese language education. Composed of 修飾(しゅうしょく) (modification, embellishment) + 語(ご) (word). In Japanese grammar education, modifiers are divided into two types.

Types

  • 連体修飾語(れんたいしゅうしょくご): adnominal modifier — modifies a noun (e.g., 赤(あか)い花(はな): red flower)
  • 連用修飾語(れんようしゅうしょくご): adverbial modifier — modifies a verb or adjective (e.g., ゆっくり歩(ある)く: walk slowly)

Related words

Usage

This term is learned in Japanese elementary school 国語(こくご) (Japanese language) classes and continues through grammar study at all levels.

Related Words

Related: 修飾(しゅうしょく) (to modify)
Related: 述語(じゅつご) (predicate)
Related: 補語(ほご) (complement (grammar))
Related: 連体詞(れんたいし) (pre-noun adjectival)
general
Added 2026.4.2 2:29 · Revised 2026.10.20 9:20
21000/21309_shuushokugo