国語力

こくごりょく
noun
Japanese language ability; native-language skills
1. Japanese language ability; native-language skills
A native speaker's command of Japanese — reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and the ability to express thoughts clearly. Discussed especially in education.
国語力(こくごりょく)を付(つ)けたい。
I want to build up my Japanese language skills.
読書(どくしょ)は子供(こども)の国語力(こくごりょく)を高(たか)める。
Reading improves children's language ability.
どの教科(きょうか)でも、問題(もんだい)を正(ただ)しく読(よ)み取(と)る国語力(こくごりょく)が土台(どだい)になる。
In every subject, the language ability to read problems correctly is the foundation.

Composed of 国語(こくご) (national language; Japanese as a school subject) + 力(りょく) (ability). Refers to overall competence in one's native Japanese, not foreign-language skill.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 国語力(こくごりょく)を付(つ)ける: to build language ability
  • 国語力(こくごりょく)を高(たか)める: to improve language ability
  • 国語力(こくごりょく)が低下(ていか)する: language ability declines

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 語学力(ごがくりょく): foreign-language ability — usually skill in a non-native language
  • 読解力(どっかいりょく): reading comprehension — one component of 国語力(こくごりょく)
general
Added 2026.5.24 12:09
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