言葉

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. この言葉の意味は何ですか。▶ —
   What does this word mean?
2. 日本語の言葉を覚えます。▶ —
   I memorize Japanese words.

Collocations

Mnemonic

言葉 kotoba = 言 (speech) + 葉 (leaf). The "leaves of speech" poetic etymology compresses Yamato-kotoba metaphorical thinking into one word. Register layers for "word": kotoba (everyday, emotional), tango (academic vocab unit), yougo (specialist term), go (kanji-compound unit). 言葉遣い (kotobazukai, manner of speech) is core social capital in Japan — choice of polite, plain, or formal register reads as character. The 話し言葉 / 書き言葉 (spoken / written) split is sharp.

Quick check

1. What does 言葉遣い signify in Japanese society?

   • Manner of speech as core social capital evaluating character and position
   • Grammar rules
   • Handwriting style
   • Pronunciation accuracy