話(はな)し言葉(ことば)

はなしことば
noun
spoken language, colloquial language
language
1. spoken language — the form of language used in speech, as opposed to writing; colloquial style
Language as it is actually spoken in conversation, including casual phrasing, sentence-ending particles, contractions, and rhythms of speech that differ from the more formal and tightly structured forms used in writing. Contrasts with 書(か)き言葉(ことば) ('written language').
これは話(はな)し言葉(ことば)です。
This is spoken/colloquial language.
話(はな)し言葉(ことば)と書(か)き言葉(ことば)は違(ちが)う。
Spoken language and written language are different.
レポートに話(はな)し言葉(ことば)を使(つか)ってはいけません。
You must not use colloquial language in a report.
若(わか)い人(ひと)の話(はな)し言葉(ことば)には新(あたら)しい表現(ひょうげん)がたくさん出(で)てくる。
A lot of new expressions appear in the colloquial speech of young people.

Compound of 話(はな)す ('to speak') and 言葉(ことば) ('words, language'). Literally 'speaking words.'

Usage

  • Refers to the style of language actually used when speaking, including casual particles (ね, よ, さ), contractions (〜ちゃう, 〜なきゃ), and looser grammar.
  • Often contrasted explicitly with 書(か)き言葉(ことば) in discussions of style, writing advice, and language teaching.
  • In writing classes and style guides, using 話(はな)し言葉(ことば) in formal documents is typically marked as inappropriate.

Common collocations

  • 話(はな)し言葉(ことば)と書(か)き言葉(ことば): spoken and written language
  • 話(はな)し言葉(ことば)を使(つか)う: to use colloquial/spoken language
  • 話(はな)し言葉(ことば)調(ちょう): a conversational style/tone
  • くだけた話(はな)し言葉(ことば): informal spoken language

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 口語(こうご) (spoken/colloquial language)
Antonym: 書(か)き言葉(ことば) (written language)
Compare: 会話(かいわ) (conversation)
Compare: 口語体(こうごたい) (colloquial style)
general
Added 2026.4.15 19:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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