Translation and Meaning of: 語 - go

The Japanese word 語[ご] is a fundamental element in the study of the language, appearing in various contexts and combinations. If you've ever wondered about its meaning, origin, or how to use it correctly, this article will clarify these doubts. Let's explore from its etymology to practical examples, including tips for memorization and cultural curiosities. Whether you are a Japanese language student or just a curious individual, understanding 語[ご] can enrich your knowledge of the Japanese language.

Meaning and usage of 語[ご]

The kanji 語, read as "go", means "word", "language", or "speech". It is often used as a suffix in terms related to languages, such as 日本語 (nihongo - Japanese language) or 英語 (eigo - English language). This construction is essential for those studying Japanese, as it appears in everyday vocabulary and academic contexts.

In addition to indicating languages, 語[ご] can also be part of words that refer to specific forms of communication. For example, 会話語 (kaiwago) means "conversational language," while 古語 (kogo) refers to "archaic terms." This versatility makes the kanji one of the most useful for expanding vocabulary in Japanese.

Origin and composition of the kanji 語

The kanji 語 is composed of two main elements: the radical 言 (gen - "speech") on the left side, which indicates its relation to language, and 吾 (go) on the right side, which functions as a phonetic component. This structure is common in many kanjis, where a radical provides the general idea and another part suggests the pronunciation.

Historically, 語 emerged in ancient China and was adapted for Japanese, retaining its original meaning. Interestingly, in modern Chinese, the pronunciation is similar ("yu"), showing how Asian languages share roots. In Japan, the kanji is taught even in elementary school, reinforcing its importance in daily life.

Tips for memorizing and using 語[ご]

An effective way to remember 語[ご] is to associate it with words you already know, like "nihongo" or "eigo". Repeating these words out loud helps to reinforce both the meaning and pronunciation. Another tip is to practice writing the kanji multiple times, paying attention to the stroke order and the position of the radical 言.

For those who use apps like Anki, creating cards with examples like 外国語 (gaikokugo - foreign language) or 母語 (bogo - native language) can accelerate learning. These combinations are common in proficiency tests like the JLPT, especially at levels N4 and N3. The more you encounter 語[ご] in real contexts, the more natural its use will become.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 言葉 (kotoba) - Word, expression
• 言語 (gengo) - Language, tongue
• 言論 (genron) - Speech, debate
• 語彙 (goi) - Vocabulary, set of words
• 語句 (goku) - Phrase, specific expression
• 語源 (gogen) - Origin of words
• 語学 (gogaku) - Language study
• 語尾 (gobi) - Word endings
• 語感 (gokan) - Linguistic intuition
• 語気 (goki) - Tone or attitude in speech
• 語形 (gokei) - Shape of words
• 語調 (gochou) - Intonation, rhythm in speech
• 語脈 (gomyaku) - Context of the words
• 語録 ( goroku) - Record of words or speeches

語

Romaji: go
Kana: ご
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: language; word

Meaning in English: language;word

Definition: Words used to express meaning or content.

Example Sentences - (語) go

See below some example sentences:

僕は日本語を勉強しています。

Boku wa nihongo wo benkyou shiteimasu

I'm studying Japanese.

I'm studying Japanese.

• 僕 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 日本語 - noun meaning "Japanese" or "Japanese language"
• を - object particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 勉強 - verb meaning "study" or "learn"
• しています - present form of the verb "suru" (to do) with the suffix "teiru" that indicates an action in progress

動詞は日本語の文法で重要な役割を果たします。

Doushi wa nihongo no bunpou de juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashimasu

The verb plays an important role in Japanese grammar.

• 動詞 (doushi) - verb
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 日本語 (nihongo) - Japanese language
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 文法 (bunpou) - grammar
• で (de) - Location particle
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 果たします (hatashimasu) - perform/fulfill

国語は日本語の中でも特に重要な言語です。

Kokugo wa Nihongo no naka demo toku ni juuyou na gengo desu

Language is a particularly important language in Japanese.

• 国語 - national language
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese language
• の - Possession particle
• 中でも - among them
• 特に - Especially
• 重要な - important
• 言語 - Tongue
• です - verb to be in the polite form

慣用句は日本語の表現を理解する上で重要です。

Kanyouku wa nihongo no hyougen wo rikai suru ue de juuyou desu

The Institute of Ideas is important for understanding Japanese expressions.

• 慣用句 - Idiomatic expressions
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese language
• の - Possessive particle
• 表現 - expression
• を - Direct object particle
• 理解する - to understand
• 上で - In the perspective of
• 重要 - Important
• です - Verb to be

敬語を使うことは大切です。

Keigo wo tsukau koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to use respectful language.

It is important to use honorifics.

• 敬語 - Japanese term that refers to the use of formal and respectful expressions in the Japanese language.
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 使う - Japanese verb that means "to use".
• こと - Japanese noun that indicates an abstract action or event.
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 大切 - Japanese adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• です - Japanese linking verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence.

文字は日本語の基本的な要素です。

Mojiretsu wa Nihongo no kihonteki na youso desu

The characters are the basic elements of the Japanese.

• 文字 (moji) - characters
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 日本語 (nihongo) - Japanese language
• の (no) - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 基本的 (kihonteki) - basic, fundamental
• な (na) - Particle indicating adjective
• 要素 (yōso) - element, component
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

日本語を勉強しています。

Nihongo wo benkyou shiteimasu

I'm studying Japanese.

I'm learning Japanese.

• 日本語 - means "Japanese language".
• を - is a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 勉強 - means "study" or "learn".
• しています - It is a polite and respectful way to say "I am doing."

漢字は日本語の重要な要素です。

Kanji wa nihongo no juuyou na youso desu

Kanji is an important factor in Japanese.

• 漢字 - Kanji (Chinese characters used in Japanese writing)
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese language
• の - Possessive particle
• 重要な - Important
• 要素 - Element
• です - Verb to be in the polite form

片仮名は日本語のアルファベットの一部です。

Katakana wa nihongo no arufabetto no ichibu desu

Katakana is part of the Japanese alphabet.

• 片仮名 - Japanese characters used to write words of Japanese origin
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese language
• の - Possessive particle
• アルファベット - alphabet
• の - Possessive particle
• 一部 - part
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

略語は日本語で「りゃくご」と言います。

Ryakugo wa nihongo de "ryakugo" to iimasu

The abbreviation is called "Ryakugo" in Japanese.

• 略語 - Word in Japanese that means "abbreviation".
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese word that means "Japanese language"
• で - particle that indicates the means or tool used to do something
• 「りゃくご」 - Word in Japanese that means "abbreviation" (written in katakana, one of the Japanese writing systems)
• と - particle that indicates the direct quote of something said or written
• 言います - Japanese verb meaning "to say"