tongue
Meaning: The muscular organ in the mouth used for tasting, speaking, and eating; a language
The tongue is the flexible muscle in your mouth essential for speaking, tasting food, and swallowing. Figuratively, tongue often refers to language or the way someone speaks. It appears in many idioms such as 'mother tongue' (native language), 'tongue-tied' (unable to speak), and 'slip of the tongue' (accidental verbal mistake).
Examples
- The doctor asked him to stick out his tongue. 医生让他伸出舌头。El médico le pidió que sacara la lengua.医者は彼に舌を出すように言いました。의사는 그에게 혀를 내밀라고 했습니다.
- English is not my mother tongue. 英语不是我的母语。El inglés no es mi lengua materna.英語は私の母国語ではありません。영어는 제 모국어가 아닙니다.
- She bit her tongue to stop herself from saying something rude. 她咬住舌头以阻止自己说出无礼的话。Ella se mordió la lengua para evitar decir algo grosero.彼女は失礼なことを言わないように舌を噛みました。그녀는 무례한 말을 하지 않으려고 혀를 깨물었습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'tunge' (tongue, language), from Proto-Germanic *tungō, from PIE root *dn̥ǵhwéh₂s (tongue). The double meaning of 'physical tongue' and 'language' exists across many Indo-European languages.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Story & Trivia
The phrase 'mother tongue' dates back to the medieval period when Latin was the language of education but children learned their native language from their mothers at home. The tongue has inspired countless idioms: 'tongue in cheek' (ironic), 'hold your tongue' (be quiet), and 'cat got your tongue?' (why aren't you speaking?).
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