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 書き言葉 ('written language').
これは話し言葉です。
This is spoken/colloquial language.
話し言葉と書き言葉は違う。
Spoken language and written language are different.
レポートに話し言葉を使ってはいけません。
You must not use colloquial language in a report.
若い人の話し言葉には新しい表現がたくさん出てくる。
A lot of new expressions appear in the colloquial speech of young people.
Compound of 話す ('to speak') and 言葉 ('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 書き言葉 in discussions of style, writing advice, and language teaching.
- In writing classes and style guides, using 話し言葉 in formal documents is typically marked as inappropriate.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 話し言葉と書き言葉: spoken and written language
- 話し言葉を使う: to use colloquial/spoken language
- 話し言葉調: a conversational style/tone
- くだけた話し言葉: informal spoken language
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 口語: spoken/colloquial language — a more technical linguistic term; also refers to modern Japanese as opposed to classical 文語.
- 書き言葉: written language — the direct antonym.
- 会話: conversation — refers to the act of speaking with someone, not the style of language itself.