Translation and Meaning of: 語彙 - goi

If you are studying Japanese, you may have come across the word 語彙[ごい]. It frequently appears in teaching materials, proficiency tests, and even in conversations about language learning. But what exactly does this term mean and how is it used in everyday Japanese? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications, as well as interesting facts that may aid in memorization.

語彙 is one of those words that every student needs to master, especially if the goal is to expand their knowledge of the language. Understanding its correct usage and cultural context can make a difference in both exams like the JLPT and in real interactions. Let’s uncover everything from its composition in kanji to tips for incorporating it into your active vocabulary.

Meaning and usage of 語彙 in Japanese

The term 語彙 [ごい] means "vocabulary" or "lexicon," referring to the set of words that a person knows or that exist in a language. Unlike terms such as 単語 [たんご] (individual word) or 言葉 [ことば] (language in a broader sense), 語彙 has a specific focus on the idea of lexical repertoire.

Its use is common in academic and educational contexts. For example, when saying "語彙を増やす" (to increase vocabulary), it is clear that it refers to expanding one's knowledge of words. It also appears in expressions like 語彙力[ごいりょく] (vocabulary ability), often used to assess language skills.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 語彙 is formed by two kanji: 語 (language, word) and 彙 (collection, classification). The second character is less common in daily life, but appears in other terms such as 収彙 [しゅうい] (compilation) or 彙報 [いほう] (collective report). This combination reflects well the meaning of "collection of words."

It is worth noting that 彙 has an unusual reading (い), which can make memorization difficult. One tip is to associate it with the bamboo radical (⺮) in its upper part, as in the past bamboo tablets were used to compile records - an interesting metaphor for "collection."

Tips for memorizing and using 語彙

To better reinforce this word, try using it in real study contexts. Write down sentences like "I study Japanese vocabulary every day" or "I bought a vocabulary book." Associating the term with your learning routine creates stronger mental connections.

Another strategy is to pay attention to the kanji 語, which appears in various words related to language, such as 会話[かいわ] (conversation) or 言語[げんご] (language). On the other hand, 彙, being less frequent, can be memorized through flashcards or spaced repetition apps.

vocabulary in Japanese culture and education

In Japan, mastery of 語彙 is seen as an indicator of education and linguistic sophistication. School tests and selection processes often assess the 語彙力 of candidates. No wonder books like "語彙力を鍛える" (Strengthen Your Vocabulary) are popular among students and professionals.

Interestingly, research from the National Institute of Japanese Language shows that a native adult knows on average 30,000 to 50,000 words. This number helps to understand why expanding one's 語彙 is so emphasized in teaching Japanese as a foreign language, where even advanced students often master around 10,000 terms.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 語句 (Goku) - Phrases or expressions used in a specific context.
• 言葉遣い (Kotobazukai) - Use of words; way of expressing oneself verbally.
• 語句遣い (Gokuzukai) - Use of expressions or phrases; similar to 言葉遣い, but may emphasize the selection of specific expressions.
• 語句法 (Gokuhō) - Method or rule for using sentences or expressions.
• 語句表現 (Gokuhyōgen) - Phrases made from sentences; how sentences are presented or expressed.
• 語句使い (Gokuzukai) - Use of words or phrases; emphasizes practical application.
• 語句の使い方 (Goku no Tsukaikata) - How to use phrases or expressions; guide for application.
• 語句の使い分け (Goku no Tsukaewake) - Differentiation in the use of words or expressions in varied contexts.
• 語句の表現方法 (Goku no Hyōgen Hōhō) - Methods of expressing sentences or expressions.
• 語句の使い分け方 (Goku no Tsukaewakekata) - Way to differentiate the use of words or expressions.
• 語句の使い分けの仕方 (Goku no Tsukaewake no Shikata) - How to differentiate the use of phrases or expressions; more detailed in approach.
• 語句の使い分け方法 (Goku no Tsukaewake Hōhō) - Methods to differentiate the use of important expressions.
• 語句の使い分けの方法 (Goku no Tsukaewake no Hōhō) - Methodical approaches to differentiate the use of phrases.
• 語句の使い分けのポイント (Goku no Tsukaewake no Point) - Points to be observed in the differentiation of word usage.
• 語句の使い分けのコツ (Goku no Tsukaewake no Kotsu) - Tips or tricks to differentiate the use of expressions.
• 語句の使い分けの基本 (Goku no Tsukaewake no Kihon) - Fundamentals of differentiated use of words or phrases.

語彙

Romaji: goi
Kana: ごい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Vocabulary; Glossary

Meaning in English: vocabulary;glossary

Definition: A word or phrase used in a language.

Example Sentences - (語彙) goi

See below some example sentences:

私の語彙はまだまだです。

Watashi no goi wa mada mada desu

My vocabulary is still insufficient.

My vocabulary is still far away.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession or relationship between two things
• 語彙 - Japanese noun meaning "vocabulary"
• は - Japanese particle indicating the subject of the sentence
• まだまだ - Japanese expression that means "still not enough" or "still have a lot to improve"
• です - Japanese verb that indicates "to be" or "to exist" (in this case, it is in the present tense and is used for formality)