Translation and Meaning of: 言葉 - kotoba
On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 言葉 (kotoba) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.
Romaji: kotoba
Kana: ことば
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: words(s); language; speech
Meaning in English: word(s);language;speech
Definition: Language: A collection of symbols and sounds used for communication and transmission of information.
Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases
Explanation and Etymology - (言葉) kotoba
The Japanese word 「言葉」 (kotoba) is a term rich in meaning and cultural tradition. Its etymology reflects the depth of the Japanese language, composed of the characters 「言」 (gen), which means "word" or "to speak," and 「葉」 (ha), which means "leaf." This picturesque combination suggests the idea of words scattered like leaves in the wind, or of language blossoming like nature.
The origin of the word 「言葉」 dates back to the beginnings of Japanese writing, where the importance of speech and communication was fundamental for social cohesion and the transmission of stories and culture. In Japanese culture, speech has always been closely linked to the expression of the soul and human spirit, and therefore, 「言葉」 is not just a means of communication but a bridge between deep thoughts and feelings.
Use and Variants of 「言葉」
- 言葉遣い (kotobazukai): It refers to the way of speaking or the choice of words.
- Word play (ことば遊び - kotoba asobi): It means word games or puns, a common form of entertainment in Japan.
- 挨拶言葉 (aisatsu kotoba): They are greeting words, essential in Japanese social etiquette.
In addition to its literal meaning, 「言葉」 plays a crucial role in Japan's cultural and literary traditions. For example, in poems and songs, the chosen words not only communicate but also evoke emotions and vivid images. The practice of *kotodama*, the belief in the spiritual power of words, also illustrates the depth to which Japanese culture values the spoken and written word.
Synonyms and similar words
- 語句 (goku) - Expressions or phrases, typically of a precise definition.
- 言辞 (genji) - Words or phraseology, often indicated in a formal context.
- 言論 (genron) - Opinions or speeches, often in political or social contexts.
- 言語 (gengo) - Language or tongue, referring to systems of verbal communication.
- 言葉遣い (kotobazukai) - Use of words, referring to the choice and manner of employing vocabulary.
- 言い回し (iiwashi) - Forms of expression or ways of saying, emphasizing the stylistic nuances in their formulations.
Words related
amai
generous; indulgent; easy to deal with; sweet; fond of; smooth with; overly optimistic; naive.
Words with the same pronunciation: ことば kotoba
How to Write in Japanese - (言葉) kotoba
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (言葉) kotoba:
Example Sentences - (言葉) kotoba
Below are some example sentences:
Kotoba wa chikara wo motte iru
The words have power.
The words have power.
- 言葉 (kotoba) - word
- は (wa) - topic particle
- 力 (chikara) - strength, power
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 持っている (motteiru) - have, possess
Gogen wa kotoba no kigen wo shimesu
Etymology indicates the origin of the word.
The etymology indicates the origin of the language.
- 語源 - origin of the word
- は - topic particle
- 言葉 - word
- の - possession particle
- 起源 - origin
- を - direct object particle
- 示す - indicate, show
Ano hito no kotoba wa abekobe da
That person's words are confusing.
This person's words are amazing.
- あの人の言葉 - ano hito no kotoba- that person's words
- は - wa- topic particle
- あべこべ - abekobe- upside down
- だ - da- verb ser/estar in the present
Kotoba tsukai wa taisetsu desu
The choice of words is important.
Words are important.
- 言葉遣い - means "use of words" or "way of speaking".
- は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that the subject to be addressed is "言葉遣い".
- 大切 - adjective meaning "important" or "valuable."
- です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form.
Hougen wa chiiki ni yotte kotonaru kotoba desu
Dialect is a different word depending on the region.
The dialect is different from the region.
- 方言 - dialect
- 地域 - região
- によって - according to
- 異なる - different
- 言葉 - word
- です - is (verb to be)
Kono kotoba no imi wa nan desu ka?
What is the meaning of this word?
What is the meaning of this word?
- この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
- 言葉 - noun that means "word"
- の - possessive particle that indicates that "言葉" is the object of possession
- 意味 - noun meaning "significance"
- は - topic particle that indicates that "この言葉の意味" is the subject of the sentence
- 何 - interrogative pronoun meaning "what"
- です - verb "to be" in polite form
- か - interrogative particle that indicates that the sentence is a question
Hitomi wa jūnen no shugyō to iu kotoba ga aru
There is a saying that a single look is equivalent to ten years of training.
At first glance, there is a ten -year training.
- 一見 - means "at first sight" or "at first glance".
- 十年 - means "ten years".
- の - particle that indicates possession or belonging.
- 修行 - means "training" or "discipline".
- という - an expression that indicates that the previous word is quoted or mentioned.
- 言葉 - means "word" or "expression".
- が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
- ある - verb that means "to exist" or "to have".
Kare ni taisetsu na kotoba o itetsuketa
I gave him important words to remember.
I told him an important word.
- 彼 (kare) - He
- に (ni) - Particle indicating the recipient of the action
- 大切な (taisetsu na) - important, valuable
- 言葉 (kotoba) - Word, language
- を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action
- 言付けた (kotozuketa) - Transmitted, left a message
Kare wa ranbou na kotoba o tsukatta
He used rude words.
He used violent words.
- 彼 - He
- は - (topic particle)
- 乱暴 - rude, violent
- な - (adjectival particle)
- 言葉 - words
- を - (direct object particle)
- 使った - used (past tense of the verb 使う)
Kare wa arappoi kotobazukai o suru
He uses rude language.
He talks hard.
- 彼 - He
- は - Topic particle
- 荒っぽい - Rude, crude
- 言葉遣い - Choice of words, language
- を - Direct Object Particle
- する - Do
Other words of the same type: Noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Noun
