语言

• Pinyin: yǔ yán
• Hanzi breakdown: 语 = 讠 (speech radical) + 吾 (I/my, phonetic), meaning 'language/words'; 言 = pictograph of a tongue with words above, meaning 'speech'

Meaning

Language. A system of communication used by a particular country or community.

The general, slightly formal word for 'language.' Used in academic, educational, and everyday contexts. Distinct from specific language names like 中文 or 英语. Also used metaphorically: 身体语言 (body language), 编程语言 (programming language).

Examples

1. 他会说三种语言。 He can speak three languages.
2. 语言是人与人之间交流的工具。 Language is a tool for communication between people.
3. 学习一门新的语言需要时间。 Learning a new language takes time.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, academic, education

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 中文是一种很美的语言。(Chinese is a very beautiful language.)
• 你学过几种语言？(How many languages have you studied?)

Don't Say

• 我说中文语言。(Don't add 语言 after a specific language name — just say 我说中文, not 中文语言.)

Origin & History

Compound of 语 (speech/words) and 言 (speech/to speak). Both characters relate to speech — 语 is more colloquial while 言 is more literary.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal