Meaning

Primary

Word

Alternatives

Language, Manner Of Speech

Word Type

noun

Explanation

A leaf of the things you say is like a leaf from a tree of speaking. That leaf is a part of the whole language, it is a single word, though it can add up to be a language or manner of speech.

Reading

ことば
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading for is one you haven't learned, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

Now imagine that there are words all over your coat (こと). It's completely covered in words. Which language are these words in? Why Japanese, of course! Think about which Japanese words you would want written on your coat.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 言葉が分かる

    to understand a language

    言葉が通じる

    to be able to communicate effectively

    言葉が出る

    words come out

Context Sentences

この言葉の意味を教えて下さい。

Can you teach me the meaning of this word?

うまく言葉にできないけど、コウイチは私にとってすごく特別な人なの。

It's hard to put into words, but Koichi is a very special person to me.

私は言葉に詰まった。

I was at a loss for words.

Kanji Composition