synonym Comparative
ことば
VS
外国語
Differences Between "ことば" and "外国語"
Option A
ことば
Meaning
word, language
Reading
ことば (kotoba)
Syllabus Level
N5
Practical Example
先生の言葉が理解できませんでした。
I couldn't understand the teacher's words.
Option B
外国語
Meaning
foreign language
Reading
がいこくご (gaikokugo)
Syllabus Level
N5
Practical Example
私は外国語を勉強しています。
I am studying a foreign language.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(word, language)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- ことば: Can mean an individual word or a language in general (e.g., 日本語は日本の言葉です - Japanese is the language of Japan).
- 外国語: This term refers to any language that is not one's native language. Often used when talking about studying or speaking a language from another country.
- ことば: Can mean an individual word or a language in general (e.g., 日本語は日本の言葉です - Japanese is the language of Japan).
- 外国語: This term refers to any language that is not one's native language. Often used when talking about studying or speaking a language from another country.
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