単語

• Reading: たんご
• Romaji: tango
• Kanji breakdown: 単 (tan) — single, simple; 語 (go) — word, language
• Pronunciation: /ta.n.ɡo/

Meaning

Word; vocabulary term. An individual unit of language.

A noun commonly used in language learning contexts to refer to individual vocabulary words. Frequently appears in expressions like 単語を覚える (tango wo oboeru, to memorize words), 単語帳 (tangochou, vocabulary notebook), and 単語テスト (tango tesuto, vocabulary test). Essential vocabulary for any language learner.

Examples

1. 毎日十個の単語を覚えるようにしている。 I try to memorize ten new words every day.
2. 単語帳を使って勉強するのが効果的だ。 Studying with a vocabulary notebook is an effective method.
3. この文章には知らない単語が多い。 There are a lot of words I don't know in this passage.

Usage Guide

Context: language learning, school, study

Tone: academic

Origin & History

Composed of 単 (tan, single/simple) and 語 (go, word/language). Literally 'single word,' distinguishing individual words from phrases or sentences.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal