1.
original language; original word (in translation)
The language in which a text was originally written or spoken, as contrasted with a translation. Also refers to a word in its source language before being translated or borrowed.
原語で読んでみたい。
I'd like to read it in the original language.
この言葉の原語はラテン語だ。
The original of this word is Latin.
原語のニュアンスは翻訳では完全には伝わらない。
The nuance of the original language cannot be fully conveyed in translation.
Composed of 原 (origin) + 語 (language, word). Note the homophone 言語 (language in the general sense) — context usually makes the distinction clear.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 原語で読む: to read in the original
- 原語の意味: the meaning in the source language
- 原語に忠実な翻訳: a translation faithful to the original
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 原文: the original text — refers to the actual passage of text rather than the language itself
- 訳語: translated word — the counterpart concept, i.e., the word chosen in the target language