英語
Meaning in EnglishEnglish
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Related sentences
Word context
What it means
英語 (eigo) means the English language; it refers to the system of spoken and written English used for communication, study, media, and international exchange and is the standard Japanese term for that language as a whole.
Main meanings
- English as a school subject or academic field, taught in curricula and textbooks.
- An individual's English ability or proficiency when describing language skills.
- Specific registers of English such as business English or conversational English when the context specifies a style or purpose.
- A category for vocabulary or materials produced in English, such as books, media, and tests.
How to use it
Used across formal and casual contexts: in schools and universities, on resumes and job listings, in media and signage, and in everyday conversation when referring to the language itself or someone’s skill level; it functions as a plain noun and appears in compound terms describing courses, proficiency tests, and bilingual services.
Variants and close terms
- 英会話 (eikaiwa) — English conversation (focus on speaking practice)
- 英語学 (eigogaku) — English linguistics or English studies
- イングリッシュ (ingurisshu) — English (loanword often used in brand names or casual contexts)
- 日本語 (nihongo) — Japanese (antonym in the context of languages)
Composition
- 英 (ei) — used to represent England/English or brilliance; here it marks the national/linguistic association with English.
- 語 (go) — language, word, or speech; indicates a system of language.
Origin
The concept of English entered Japan through increasing contacts with Western countries and became widely institutionalized during the Meiji era (late 19th century) as Japan modernized; the need for diplomacy, trade, and education led to the formal adoption of a standard Japanese term for the language.
Word class
noun (名詞)