Japanese symbol for “language”
言葉
ことば
Romaji: kotoba
language; dialect
In Japanese, language is 言葉, read ことば (kotoba).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- n language; dialect
- n word; phrase; expression; term
- n speech; (manner of) speaking; (use of) language
- n words; remark; statement; comment
- n learning to speak; language acquisition
Written forms: 言葉、詞、辞. Readings: ことば、けとば.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “language”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 言語 | げんご gengo | language |
| 言い方 | いいかた iikata | way of saying (something); way of putting it; wording |
| 語 | ご go | language |
| ラング | ラング rangu | language |
| 言辞 | げんじ genji | language; speech |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 言う | いう iu | to say; to utter; to declare |
| 発言 | はつげん hatsugen | statement; remark; observation |
| 宣言 | せんげん sengen | declaration; proclamation; announcement |
| 言語 | げんご gengo | language |
| 一言 | ひとこと hitokoto | single word; a few words; brief comment |
| 紅葉 | こうよう kouyou | leaves turning red (in autumn); red leaves; autumn colours |
| 絵葉書 | えはがき ehagaki | picture postcard |
| 葉っぱ | はっぱ happa | leaf; blade (of grass); (pine) needle |
See also: Chinese symbol for “language”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.