英语

• Pinyin: yīng yǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 英 = 'England' (phonetic); 语 = 讠 (speech radical) + 吾 (I/phonetic), meaning 'language'

Meaning

English; the English language. The standard term for the English language, especially spoken.

The most common way to refer to the English language in Chinese. Central to Chinese education — 英语 is a core subject from primary school through university. Used in compounds like 英语课 (English class), 英语老师 (English teacher).

Examples

1. 我正在学英语。 I'm learning English.
2. 她的英语说得非常好。 She speaks English very well.
3. 英语是世界上使用最广的语言之一。 English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, education, language learning

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你会说英语吗？(Can you speak English?)
• 我每天都要上英语课。(I have English class every day.)

Don't Say

• 我在美国说英语语。(Don't repeat 语 — just say 说英语, not 英语语.)

Origin & History

Compound of 英 (from 英国, England) and 语 (language/speech), literally 'English language.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal