Japanese · Culture & Society
日本語
nihongo
Japanese language
Beginnernoun
Definition
The language spoken in Japan, featuring three writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. It is spoken by approximately 125 million people worldwide.
Example
日本語を毎日勉強しています。
I study Japanese every day.
Etymology
The term '日本語' (nihongo) is a compound of '日本' (Nihon, meaning 'Japan') and '語' (go, meaning 'language'). It signifies the unique linguistic system that developed in the Japanese archipelago, influenced by Chinese characters.
How & Where It’s Used
'日本語' is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in educational and cultural discussions. It is predominantly a written form in textbooks and literature, while spoken Japanese reflects various dialects.