Translation and Meaning of: 語 - go
The Japanese word 語[ご] is a fundamental element in the study of the language, appearing in various contexts and combinations. If you've ever wondered about its meaning, origin, or how to use it correctly, this article will clarify these doubts. Let's explore from its etymology to practical examples, including tips for memorization and cultural curiosities. Whether you are a Japanese language student or just a curious individual, understanding 語[ご] can enrich your knowledge of the Japanese language.
Meaning and usage of 語[ご]
The kanji 語, read as "go", means "word", "language", or "speech". It is often used as a suffix in related to languages, such as 日本語 (nihongo - Japanese language) or 英語 (eigo - English language). This construction is essential for those studying Japanese, as it appears in everyday vocabulary and academic contexts.
In addition to indicating languages, 語[ご] can also be part of words that refer to specific forms of communication. For example, 会話語 (kaiwago) means "conversational language," while 古語 (kogo) refers to "archaic ." This versatility makes the kanji one of the most useful for expanding vocabulary in Japanese.
Origin and composition of the kanji 語
The kanji 語 is composed of two main elements: the radical 言 (gen - "speech") on the left side, which indicates its relation to language, and 吾 (go) on the right side, which functions as a phonetic component. This structure is common in many kanjis, where a radical provides the general idea and another part suggests the pronunciation.
Historically, 語 emerged in ancient China and was adapted for Japanese, retaining its original meaning. Interestingly, in modern Chinese, the pronunciation is similar ("yu"), showing how Asian languages share roots. In Japan, the kanji is taught even in elementary school, reinforcing its importance in daily life.
Tips for memorizing and using 語[ご]
An effective way to 語[ご] is to associate it with words you already know, like "nihongo" or "eigo". Repeating these words out loud helps to reinforce both the meaning and pronunciation. Another tip is to practice writing the kanji multiple times, paying attention to the stroke order and the position of the radical 言.
For those who use apps like Anki, creating cards with examples like 外国語 (gaikokugo - foreign language) or 母語 (bogo - native language) can accelerate learning. These combinations are common in proficiency tests like the JLPT, especially at levels N4 and N3. The more you encounter 語[ご] in real contexts, the more natural its use will become.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 言葉 (kotoba) - Word, expression
- 言語 (gengo) - Language, tongue
- 言論 (genron) - Speech, debate
- 語彙 (goi) - Vocabulary, set of words
- 語句 (goku) - Phrase, specific expression
- 語源 (gogen) - Origin of words
- 語学 (gogaku) - Language study
- 語尾 (gobi) - Word endings
- 語感 (gokan) - Linguistic intuition
- 語気 (goki) - Tone or attitude in speech
- 語形 (gokei) - Shape of words
- 語調 (gochou) - Intonation, rhythm in speech
- 語脈 (gomyaku) - Context of the words
- 語録 ( goroku) - Record of words or speeches
Related words
Romaji: go
Kana: ご
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: language; word
Meaning in English: language;word
Definition: Words used to express meaning or content.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (語) go
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (語) go:
Example Sentences - (語) go
See below some example sentences:
Gogen wa kotoba no kigen wo shimesu
The 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
Watashi wa Nihongo o benkyou shiteimasu
I'm studying Japanese.
I'm studying Japanese.
- 私 - means "I" in Japanese.
- は - is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I".
- 日本語 - means "Japanese" in Japanese.
- を - is a grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "Japanese".
- 勉強 - means "study" in Japanese.
- しています - is a conjugation of the verb "suru" which indicates action in progress, in this case, "I'm studying".
Densetsu wa eien ni kataritsugareru
Legends are told forever.
The legend is ed down forever.
- 伝説 - legend
- は - Topic particle
- 永遠に - forever
- 語り継がれる - is transmitted
Watashi wa tsutomete Nihongo wo benkyou shiteimasu
I am striving to study Japanese.
I'm working hard to study Japanese.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
- 努めて - verb meaning "to strive" or "to work hard"
- 日本語 - noun meaning "Japanese", the Japanese language
- を - object particle indicating the direct object of the action, in this case "study"
- 勉強しています - compound verb meaning "to be studying", in the present continuous tense
Watashi wa nihongo wo osowaru koto ga dekimasu ka?
Can I be taught in Japanese?
Can I learn Japanese?
- 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
- 日本語 (nihongo) - noun meaning "Japanese"
- を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
- 教わる (osowaru) - verb that means "to learn"
- こと (koto) - noun that means "thing"
- が (ga) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
- できますか (dekimasu ka) - Expression that means "is it possible?" or "can you?"
Watashi wa nihongo o oboeru tame ni mainichi benkyou shiteimasu
I study Japanese every day to keep myself sharp.
I study every day to learn Japanese.
- 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
- 日本語 (nihongo) - noun meaning "Japanese"
- を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "japonês"
- 覚える (oboeru) - verb that means "to " or "to learn"
- ために (tameni) - expression meaning "for" or "in order to"
- 毎日 (mainichi) - noun that means "every day"
- 勉強しています (benkyou shiteimasu) - The expression that means "I am studying"
Yōgo no imi o shirabete kudasai
Please, look up the meaning of the term.
Check the meaning of the term.
- 用語 - term
- の - Possession particle
- 意味 - Meaning
- を - direct object particle
- 調べて - Search
- ください - Please, make.
Jukugo wo oboeru no wa nihongo gakushuu no kihon desu
Learning idioms is fundamental to learning Japanese.
It's the basics of learning Japanese to learn idioms.
- 熟語 - jukugo - Japanese compound words
- を - wo - object particle
- 覚える - oboeru - memorize,
- のは - no wa - Topic particle
- 日本語 - nihongo - Japanese language
- 学習 - gakushuu - Study, learning
- の - Não Possession particle
- 基本 - kihon - basic, fundamental
- です - is (a Japanese copula, often used to indicate a state of being) verb to be, to stay
Kango wa nihongo ni ooku no eikyou wo ataemashita
Chinese words have had a great influence on Japanese.
The Chinese had a lot of influence on the Japanese.
- 漢語 (kan go) - Japanese word that means "Chinese words".
- は (wa) - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
- 日本語 (ni hon go) - Japanese word that means "Japanese language".
- に (ni) - grammatical particle in Japanese that indicates the relationship of direction or destination.
- 多くの (ooku no) - Expression in Japanese that means "many" or "much".
- 影響を与えました (eikyou wo ataemashita) - Japanese phrase meaning "had a lot of influence".
Hyōgo wa hitobito no kokoro o ugokasu chikara o motsu
Slogans have the power to move people's hearts.
The slogan has the power to move people's hearts.
- 標語 - means "slogan" in Japanese.
- は - a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, can be translated as "is".
- 人々 - means "people" in Japanese.
- の - a particle that indicates possession, can be translated as "of".
- 心 - means "heart" in Japanese.
- を - the particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, can be translated as "that".
- 動かす - means "to move" in Japanese.
- 力 - means "strength" in Japanese.
- を - the particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, can be translated as "that".
- 持つ - means "to have" in Japanese.
- . - period that indicates the end of the sentence.
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
