日本語

• Reading: にほんご
• Romaji: nihongo
• Kanji breakdown: 日 (nichi/hi) — sun, day; 本 (hon/moto) — origin, book; 語 (go/kata) — language
• Pronunciation: /ni.hoɴ.ɡo/

Meaning

Japanese (language). The language spoken in Japan.

A noun combining 日本 (Japan) and 語 (language). Japanese is spoken by about 125 million people and uses three writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. For learners, the phrase 日本語を勉強しています (I am studying Japanese) is often the first self-introduction sentence mastered.

Examples

1. 日本語を勉強しています。 I am studying Japanese.
2. 日本語は難しいですが、面白いです。 Japanese is difficult, but interesting.
3. 日本語で話してもいいですか。 Is it okay if I speak in Japanese?

Usage Guide

Context: language learning, self-introduction, education

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 日本 (Japan, literally 'origin of the sun') and 語 (language). Japan's name comes from the Chinese perception of the islands lying to the east, where the sun rises.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal