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:

言葉は力を持っている。

Kotoba wa chikara wo motte iru

The words have power.

The words have power.

• 言葉 (kotoba) - word
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 力 (chikara) - strength, power
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 持っている (motteiru) - Land, possess

語源は言葉の起源を示す。

Gogen wa kotoba no kigen wo shimesu

The etymology indicates the origin of the word.

The etymology indicates the origin of the language.

• 語源 - origin of the word
• は - Topic particle
• 言葉 - word
• の - Possession particle
• 起源 - origin
• を - direct object particle
• 示す - Indicate, show

あの人の言葉はあべこべだ。

Ano hito no kotoba wa abekobe da

That person's words are confusing.

This person's words are amazing.

• あの人の言葉 - ano hito no kotoba- that person's words
• は - wa- Topic particle
• あべこべ - abekobe- upside down
• だ - I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.- Verb to be/estar in the present

言葉遣いは大切です。

Kotoba tsukai wa taisetsu desu

The choice of words is important.

Words are important.

• 言葉遣い - means "use of words" or "way of speaking".
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that the subject to be addressed is "言葉遣い".
• 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.

方言は地域によって異なる言葉です。

Hougen wa chiiki ni yotte kotonaru kotoba desu

Dialect is a different word depending on the region.

The dialect is different in the region.

• 方言 - dialect
• 地域 - region
• によって - according to
• 異なる - different
• 言葉 - word
• です - is

この言葉の意味は何ですか？

Kono kotoba no imi wa nan desu ka?

What is the meaning of this word?

What is the meaning of this word?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 言葉 - noun that means "word"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that "言葉" is the object of possession
• 意味 - noun meaning "significance"
• は - topic particle that indicates that "この言葉の意味" is the subject of the sentence
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• か - interrogative particle that indicates that the sentence is a question

一見は十年の修行という言葉がある。

Hitomi wa jūnen no shugyō to iu kotoba ga aru

There is a saying that a single look is equivalent to ten years of training.

At first glance, there is a ten -year training.

• 一見 - means "at first sight" or "at first glance".
• 十年 - means "ten years".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 修行 - means "training" or "discipline".
• という - an expression that indicates that the previous word is quoted or mentioned.
• 言葉 - means "word" or "expression".
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - Verb that means "to exist" or "to have".

彼に大切な言葉を言付けた。

Kare ni taisetsu na kotoba o itetsuketa

I gave him important words to remember.

I told him an important word.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• に (ni) - Particle indicating the recipient of the action
• 大切な (taisetsu na) - important, valuable
• 言葉 (kotoba) - Word, language
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 言付けた (kotozuketa) - Transmitted, left a message

彼は乱暴な言葉を使った。

Kare wa ranbou na kotoba o tsukatta

He used rude words.

He used violent words.

• 彼 - He
• は - (topic particle)
• 乱暴 - rude, violent
• な - (adjectival particle)
• 言葉 - words
• を - (direct object particle)
• 使った - used (past tense of the verb 使う)

彼は荒っぽい言葉遣いをする。

Kare wa arappoi kotobazukai o suru

He uses rude language.

He talks hard.

• 彼 - He
• は - Topic particle
• 荒っぽい - Rude, crude
• 言葉遣い - Choice of words, language
• を - Direct object particle
• する - to do