言葉

• 読み: ことば
• ローマ字: kotoba
• 漢字の分解: 言 (gen/koto/i) — say, words; 葉 (you/ha) — leaf
• 発音: /ko.to.ba/

意味

Language; words; dialect. Human language or a particular way of speaking.

A noun with a broad range of meanings covering words, language, speech, and dialect. Can refer to a single word, a phrase, or an entire language system. The related expression 言葉遣い means 'word usage' or 'manner of speaking.' An essential term for discussing language and communication.

例文

1. 新しい言葉を覚えました。
2. 日本語の言葉は面白いです。
3. やさしい言葉で話してください。

使い方ガイド

場面: language learning, communication, daily life

トーン: neutral

起源と歴史

From ancient Japanese. Originally 言 (koto, words) combined with 端 (ha, edge), meaning 'the tip of speech.' Over time, 端 transformed into 葉 (leaf), perhaps evoking the image of words as leaves on a tree.

文化的背景

時代: Ancient

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal