Readings: ゴ (Onyomi), かた(る)・かた(らう) (Kunyomi)
Meaning: word, language, to talk
The kanji 語 means “language” or “word” and is often used in words like 日本語 (Japanese language), 英語 (English), and 語る (to talk/speak). It’s one of the most useful kanji for learners of Japanese.
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
| Radical | 言 (words) + 吾 |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 14 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
| Grade | 2nd Grade |
Readings
| Onyomi | ゴ |
|---|---|
| Kunyomi | かた(る)、かた(らう) |
How to Write – Stroke Order
This kanji contains the 言 radical (speech) and 吾 (I), making it easy to remember as “words I say.”
- Start with the 言 radical on the left side
- Write the 吾 component on the right from top to bottom
Example Sentences
Japanese: 日本語を勉強しています。
Kana: にほんごをべんきょうしています。
Romaji: Nihongo o benkyou shiteimasu.
English: I’m studying Japanese.
Japanese: 英語を話せますか？
Kana: えいごをはなせますか？
Romaji: Eigo o hanasemasu ka?
English: Can you speak English?
Japanese: 彼は物語を語るのが上手です。
Kana: かれはものがたりをかたるのがじょうずです。
Romaji: Kare wa monogatari o kataru no ga jouzu desu.
English: He is good at telling stories.
Vocabulary Using 語
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 日本語 | にほんご | Japanese (language) |
| 英語 | えいご | English (language) |
| 語る | かたる | to tell, to talk |
| 外国語 | がいこくご | foreign language |
| 言語 | げんご | language |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary
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