Translation and Meaning of: 言葉 - kotoba

The Japanese word 言葉 (ことば, kotoba) is essential for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. It carries profound meanings and is present in various contexts, from everyday conversations to artistic and philosophical expressions. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of this word, along with curiosities that help to understand it better.

If you've ever wondered how the Japanese view language or how 言葉 differs from other similar terms, keep reading. Here at Suki Nihongo, we strive to provide accurate and useful information for your learning, whether you are a beginner student or someone looking to deepen your knowledge of Japanese.

Meaning and Use of 言葉

言葉 (kotoba) can be translated as "word," "language," or "speech," but its meaning goes beyond that. Unlike terms like 単語 (たんご, tango), which refer specifically to an isolated word, 言葉 encompasses expression as a whole, including tone, intention, and context. It is a concept that reflects the importance of communication in Japanese culture.

In everyday situations, 言葉 is used to refer to both formal and colloquial language. For example, saying "言葉に気をつけて" (kotoba ni ki o tsukete) means "be careful with your words," showing how the choice of vocabulary can impact a conversation. This notion of responsibility in speaking is something that is valued in Japan.

Origin and Kanji of 言葉

The writing of 言葉 combines two kanjis: 言 (gen, iu), which means "to say" or "to speak", and 葉 (ha, you), which originally represents "leaf". Together, they form the idea of "leaves of words", a poetic metaphor for language as something that grows and spreads. This composition reflects the Japanese view that communication is organic and alive.

It is worth noting that, although 葉 also appears in words like 紅葉 (こうよう, kouyou – autumn leaves), in 言葉 it takes on a more abstract meaning. The etymology traces back to the Heian period (794-1185), when written language began to develop in Japan, showing how the word is connected to the history of the country.

Curiosities and Memory Tips

An effective way to remember 言葉 is to associate it with the act of "flipping through" a book or diary, as the kanji 葉 refers to leaves. This mental image helps to fix not only the writing but also the concept behind the word. Another tip is to practice with sentences like "彼の言葉は優しい" (kare no kotoba wa yasashii – "His words are gentle").

Culturally, 言葉 appears in proverbs like "言葉は身の文" (kotoba wa mi no ayumi – "Words reflect the person"), highlighting the belief that language reveals a person's character. This type of expression is common in animes and dramas, where dialogues often carry lessons about communication and respect.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 語句 (goku) - Expressions or phrases, typically of a precise definition.
• 言辞 (genji) - Words or phraseology, often indicated in a formal context.
• 言論 (genron) - Opinions or speeches, often in political or social contexts.
• 言語 (gengo) - Language or tongue, referring to systems of verbal communication.
• 言葉遣い (kotobazukai) - Use of words, referring to the choice and manner of employing vocabulary.
• 言い回し (iiwashi) - Forms of expression or ways of saying, emphasizing the stylistic nuances in their formulations.

言葉

Romaji: kotoba
Kana: ことば
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: words; language; speech

Meaning in English: word(s);language;speech

Definition: Language: A collection of symbols and sounds used for communication and transmission of information.

Example Sentences - (言葉) kotoba

See below some example sentences:

彼は私を貶すような言葉を使った。

Kare wa watashi o kudasu yōna kotoba o tsukatta

He used words that belittled me.

He used words that degraded me.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 私 - Japanese pronoun that means "I"
• を - Japanese particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 貶す - Japanese verb that means "to lower," "to belittle"
• ような - Japanese particle that indicates similarity or comparison
• 言葉 - 日本語の名詞で「言葉」を意味します。
• を - Japanese particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 使った - Japanese verb in the past that means "used"

彼の言葉は露骨すぎる。

Kare no kotoba wa rokotsu sugiru

His words are very frank.

Your words are very explicit.

• 彼の - "From him"
• 言葉 - "words"
• は - Topic particle
• 露骨 - frank, "direct"
• すぎる - suffix that indicates excess, "too much"

彼女は意地悪な言葉を言った。

Kanojo wa ijiwaru na kotoba o itta

She said evil words.

She said an evil word.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 意地悪 (ijiwaru) - evil, cruel
• な (na) - particle modifying a noun
• 言葉 (kotoba) - word
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 言った (itta) - he said

彼女の言葉にはいつも下心がある。

Kanojo no kotoba ni wa itsumo shitagokoro ga aru

Your words always have a heart.

• 彼女 - she
• の - of
• 言葉 - words
• には - have
• いつも - always
• 下心 - ulterior motives
• が - there are
• ある - Gifts

無料はとても魅力的な言葉です。

Muryou wa totemo miryokuteki na kotoba desu

Free is a very attractive word.

Free is a very attractive word.

• 無料 - means "free" in Japanese
• は - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - means "a lot" in Japanese
• 魅力的 - means "attractive" or "seductive" in Japanese
• な - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the adjective
• 言葉 - means "word" in Japanese
• です - is a polite way of saying "is" or "are" in Japanese

祝賀の言葉を贈ります。

Shukuga no kotoba wo okurimasu

I send words of congratulations.

I will give you a word of congratulations.

• 祝賀 - congratulation
• の - Possession particle
• 言葉 - Word, expression
• を - direct object particle
• 贈ります - gift, offer

私は彼の言葉を疑う。

Watashi wa kare no kotoba wo utagau

I doubt his words.

I doubt your words.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 彼 - personal pronoun that means "he" in Japanese
• の - Possessive particle indicating that "言葉" (words) belongs to "彼" (him)
• 言葉 - noun that means "words" in Japanese
• を - object particle that indicates that "言葉" (words) is the direct object of the action
• 疑う - verb meaning "to doubt" in Japanese

詩人は美しい言葉を紡ぎ出す。

Shijin wa utsukushii kotoba wo tsumugidasu

The poet spins beautiful words.

• 詩人 - poet
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - Beautiful, lovely
• 言葉 - word
• を - direct object particle
• 紡ぎ出す - weave, create, produce

辞書を使って新しい言葉を学びましょう。

Jisho wo tsukatte atarashii kotoba wo manabimashou

Let's learn new words using a dictionary.

Learn new words using a dictionary.

• 辞書 - dictionary
• を - direct object particle
• 使って - using
• 新しい - new
• 言葉 - word
• を - direct object particle
• 学びましょう - let's learn

辞典を使って新しい言葉を学びましょう。

Jisho wo tsukatte atarashii kotoba wo manabimashou

Let's learn new words using a dictionary.

Learn new words using the dictionary.

• 辞典 - dictionary
• を - direct object particle
• 使って - using
• 新しい - new
• 言葉 - word
• を - direct object particle
• 学びましょう - let's learn