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A2 noun #1,500 الأكثر شيوعاً 14 دقيقة للقراءة

単語

tango الأكثر شيوعاً #1,500

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح 単語 في 30 ثانية

الشرح 単語 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their Japanese journey. The concept of 単語 (tango) is introduced almost immediately as the fundamental building block of the language. For an A1 learner, a 単語 is simply a flashcard—a direct translation from English to Japanese. They focus on highly concrete nouns, basic verbs, and simple adjectives. The interaction with the word '単語' itself is usually passive; they hear the teacher say it when directing them to a vocabulary list. They learn to associate the sound 'tango' with the act of memorizing lists of words like 'dog' (inu), 'cat' (neko), 'to eat' (taberu), and 'big' (ookii). The primary goal at this stage is volume: acquiring enough individual 単語 to form the most basic, survival-level sentences. They might use physical 単語カード (vocabulary cards) to drill these words. The nuance of the word is not yet important; it is purely a functional term meaning 'the things I need to memorize to pass the next quiz'. They might struggle with the pronunciation, sometimes forgetting the 'n' sound, but the context usually makes their meaning clear. The focus is entirely on recognition and basic recall.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, learners begin to understand that a 単語 is not always a simple one-to-one translation with their native language. They start to see how words function within simple sentence structures using particles. They actively use the word 単語 to ask questions, such as 'Kono tango no imi wa nan desu ka?' (What is the meaning of this word?). They are building a functional vocabulary that allows them to navigate daily life in Japan, such as shopping, ordering food, and giving simple directions. At this stage, learners often create their own 単語帳 (vocabulary notebooks) to organize words by category (e.g., food, transportation, weather) rather than just alphabetical lists. They begin to recognize that some 単語 are written in hiragana, some in katakana (especially loanwords), and increasingly, in kanji. The concept of word boundaries in Japanese (which lacks spaces) becomes clearer, and they can isolate a new 単語 from a spoken or written sentence to look it up. They start using basic dictionaries or apps to investigate unknown words independently, marking a shift from passive reception to active learning.

At the B1 level, the learner's relationship with 単語 becomes much more sophisticated. They are no longer just memorizing lists; they are analyzing words. They begin to understand the difference between 単語 (individual words) and 語彙 (overall vocabulary). They encounter compound words and realize that many complex 単語 are made by combining simpler kanji they already know. This is a critical stage where they start guessing the meaning of a new 単語 based on its constituent kanji. They also become aware of synonyms and antonyms, realizing that choosing the right 単語 depends on the context and the level of politeness required. They might ask native speakers about the nuance between two similar words. The vocabulary they learn shifts from concrete objects to more abstract concepts, emotions, and opinions. They use monolingual dictionaries occasionally, reading the definition of a Japanese word in Japanese. They actively seek out new 単語 through reading graded readers, watching anime with subtitles, or listening to podcasts, moving away from textbook-only learning. The focus is on expanding their expressive range and understanding nuance.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, learners possess a robust vocabulary and are comfortable discussing complex, abstract topics. Their interaction with the concept of 単語 shifts towards refinement and specialization. They are learning specialized vocabulary (専門用語) related to their field of work, study, or deep personal interests. They understand that a single English word might translate to several different Japanese 単語 depending on the precise context, and vice versa. They are highly sensitive to collocations—knowing which verbs naturally pair with which nouns. They don't just know a word; they know how it behaves in a sentence. They can read standard newspapers and comprehend most of the vocabulary, using context clues to deduce the meaning of the few unknown 単語 they encounter. They are capable of explaining the meaning of a Japanese word using other Japanese words, effectively acting as their own dictionary. They might debate the exact definition or connotation of a word with native speakers. At this level, expanding vocabulary is less about basic communication and more about achieving fluency, naturalness, and the ability to express subtle shades of meaning.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, the learner's command of Japanese vocabulary is approaching that of a native speaker. They have a vast and highly nuanced lexicon. They rarely think in terms of direct translation; instead, they understand a 単語 inherently within its Japanese cultural and linguistic context. They are comfortable with idiomatic expressions, proverbs (ことわざ), and four-character idioms (四字熟語), understanding that these function as complex, single units of meaning. They can read academic papers, literature, and highly technical documents, effortlessly absorbing new, rare vocabulary. They are aware of the etymology of words and how historical context shapes meaning. They can play with words, understanding puns and wordplay. When they encounter an unknown 単語, it is usually a highly obscure term, a specific proper noun, or a newly coined buzzword. They can discuss the sociolinguistic aspects of vocabulary, such as how certain words are used by specific demographics or in specific regions (dialects). Their focus is on mastery, elegance, and the stylistic choices involved in selecting the perfect word for a specific rhetorical effect.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, the mastery of Japanese vocabulary is absolute. The learner operates with the same, or sometimes even greater, linguistic awareness as an educated native speaker. They understand the deepest historical roots of a 単語, its evolution over time, and its subtle connotations across different eras of literature. They can effortlessly navigate classical Japanese vocabulary (古文) if required. They are capable of coining new words or using existing words in highly creative, poetic, or unconventional ways to achieve specific literary or rhetorical impacts. They understand the absolute finest distinctions between near-synonyms that even native speakers might struggle to articulate. They can analyze the morphological structure of any word instantly. At this level, the concept of studying a '単語' in isolation is obsolete; vocabulary is a fluid, interconnected web of meaning, culture, and history. They can deliver academic lectures, write publishable literature, or engage in high-level philosophical debates, utilizing an expansive, precise, and profoundly deep vocabulary without hesitation. The language is no longer a tool they use, but a medium they inhabit.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

単語 في 30 ثانية

Means 'vocabulary word' or 'single word'.
Used heavily in language learning contexts.
Distinct from 'kotoba' (language/speech).
Essential for discussing Japanese study.

The Japanese word 単語 (tango) is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'vocabulary word' or simply 'word' in English. It is composed of two kanji: 単 (tan), meaning 'single' or 'simple', and 語 (go), meaning 'language' or 'word'. Together, they represent a single unit of meaning within a language. Understanding this word is absolutely essential for anyone studying Japanese, as it forms the basis of how you will discuss your learning process, ask questions about new vocabulary, and interact with educational materials.

Core Meaning: At its core, 単語 refers to an individual, discrete word. It is the building block of sentences and communication. When you look up a definition in a dictionary, you are looking up a 単語.

In everyday conversation, native Japanese speakers and learners alike use this word extensively when discussing language acquisition, reading, writing, and comprehension. For instance, if you are reading a Japanese newspaper and encounter a character combination you do not recognize, you would refer to that specific combination as a new 単語. It is distinct from broader terms like 言葉 (kotoba), which can mean 'word', 'language', 'phrase', or even 'speech' in a more general or philosophical sense. 単語 is strictly analytical and grammatical.

この単語の意味がわかりません。(Kono tango no imi ga wakarimasen - I do not understand the meaning of this word.)

When people use this word, they are almost always in a context of learning, analyzing, or clarifying language. You will hear it in classrooms, see it in textbooks, and use it when asking native speakers for help. It is also heavily used in compound words related to studying, such as 単語帳 (tangochou - vocabulary notebook) or 単語カード (tango kaado - flashcards). The usage of this word signifies a focus on the mechanics and components of language rather than the overarching message or emotion.

Contextual Usage: Used primarily in educational settings, language exchange conversations, linguistics, and when clarifying misunderstandings in daily communication.

Furthermore, the concept of 単語 is crucial for passing proficiency exams like the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). A significant portion of these exams is dedicated to testing your knowledge of vocabulary, often labeled under sections like 文字・語彙 (moji/goi - characters and vocabulary), where 語彙 is the collective term for many 単語. Understanding the distinction between a single word and a collective vocabulary is a sign of advancing proficiency.

毎日新しい単語を十個覚えるようにしています。(Mainichi atarashii tango o jukko oboeru you ni shiteimasu - I try to memorize ten new words every day.)

In digital spaces, such as language learning applications or online dictionaries, the term is ubiquitous. Features might be labeled as '単語リスト' (tango risuto - word list) or '単語テスト' (tango tesuto - vocabulary test). Therefore, familiarizing yourself with this word not only helps you speak about language but also helps you navigate the tools and resources necessary to learn Japanese effectively.

Digital Context: Look for this word in the navigation menus of Japanese learning websites, apps, and software to find vocabulary-specific exercises and lists.

その単語のスペルを教えてください。(Sono tango no superu o oshiete kudasai - Please tell me the spelling of that word.)

難しい単語がたくさんあります。(Muzukashii tango ga takusan arimasu - There are many difficult words.)

テストのために単語を暗記する。(Tesuto no tame ni tango o anki suru - To memorize words for a test.)

Using 単語 (tango) correctly in sentences involves understanding the verbs and adjectives that naturally pair with it. Because it represents a unit of language, the actions associated with it usually revolve around learning, forgetting, researching, or utilizing. Mastering these collocations will make your Japanese sound much more natural and fluent, especially when discussing your studies with teachers or language exchange partners.

Verbs of Acquisition: The most common verbs used with 単語 are 覚える (oboeru - to memorize/learn), 暗記する (anki suru - to memorize by heart), and 忘れる (wasureru - to forget). These describe the lifecycle of a word in a learner's mind.

When you want to express that you are studying vocabulary, you would typically say '単語を覚える' (tango o oboeru). This does not just mean 'to remember' in the passive sense, but actively committing it to memory. If you are preparing for an exam, you might use the more intense '単語を暗記する' (tango o anki suru), which implies rote memorization. Conversely, the frustration of language learning is often expressed as '単語を忘れた' (tango o wasureta - I forgot the word).

昨日覚えた単語をもう忘れてしまった。(Kinou oboeta tango o mou wasurete shimatta - I have already forgotten the words I memorized yesterday.)

Another crucial set of verbs involves researching or looking up words. The primary verb here is 調べる (shiraberu - to look up/investigate). When you encounter an unknown word, you say '単語を辞書で調べる' (tango o jisho de shiraberu - to look up a word in the dictionary). You might also use 引く (hiku - to pull/look up) specifically when referring to using a dictionary, as in '辞書で単語を引く' (jisho de tango o hiku).

Verbs of Inquiry: When you need help, you use verbs like 聞く (kiku - to ask) or 質問する (shitsumon suru - to question). For example, '先生に単語の意味を聞く' (sensei ni tango no imi o kiku - to ask the teacher the meaning of a word).

Adjectives also play a significant role in describing 単語. You will frequently hear words described as 難しい (muzukashii - difficult), 簡単な (kantan na - easy), 新しい (atarashii - new), or 知らない (shiranai - unknown). For example, '知らない単語' (shiranai tango) literally means 'a word I do not know', and is the standard way to refer to unfamiliar vocabulary. You might say 'この本には知らない単語が多すぎる' (kono hon ni wa shiranai tango ga oosugiru - there are too many unknown words in this book).

辞書で新しい単語を調べました。(Jisho de atarashii tango o shirabemashita - I looked up a new word in the dictionary.)

In more advanced contexts, you might discuss the usage or nuance of a word. In this case, you would use phrases like '単語の使い方' (tango no tsukaikata - how to use the word) or '単語のニュアンス' (tango no nyuansu - the nuance of the word). You can also quantify words using counters. The most common counter for words is 個 (ko), as in '単語を五個覚える' (tango o goko oboeru - to memorize five words), though 語 (go) can also be used in formal linguistic contexts.

Quantifying Words: Always use the generic counter 個 (ko) or the specific counter 語 (go) when counting how many words you have learned or need to learn.

その単語の使い方が間違っています。(Sono tango no tsukaikata ga machigatteimasu - The usage of that word is incorrect.)

彼は難しい単語を使って話すのが好きです。(Kare wa muzukashii tango o tsukatte hanasu no ga suki desu - He likes to speak using difficult words.)

この文章には専門的な単語が含まれています。(Kono bunshou ni wa senmonteki na tango ga fukumareteimasu - This text contains specialized words.)

The word 単語 (tango) is ubiquitous in any environment where language learning, teaching, or analysis is taking place. If you are a student of Japanese, this is likely one of the first meta-linguistic words you will encounter and use regularly. Its presence is strongly felt in both physical classrooms and digital learning platforms, making it an unavoidable and essential part of your vocabulary arsenal.

Language Classrooms: In a formal language school setting, teachers use this word constantly to direct students' attention. You will hear phrases like '次のページの単語を見てください' (Please look at the vocabulary on the next page).

One of the most common places you will hear or see this word is in Japanese language textbooks. Almost every chapter of standard textbooks like Genki or Minna no Nihongo features a section dedicated to new vocabulary, often titled '単語' or '新出単語' (shinshutsu tango - newly appearing words). When your teacher assigns homework, they might say '単語を覚えてきてください' (Please memorize the vocabulary before coming to class). During class, if there is a pop quiz, it will likely be a '単語テスト' (tango tesuto - vocabulary quiz).

明日は第５課の単語テストがあります。(Ashita wa dai-go-ka no tango tesuto ga arimasu - Tomorrow there is a vocabulary test on lesson 5.)

Beyond the classroom, you will encounter this word frequently when using language learning applications on your smartphone or computer. Apps like Anki, Quizlet, or specialized Japanese learning tools often use the word 単語 to categorize their flashcard decks. You might see buttons or menus labeled '単語帳を作成' (Create a vocabulary deck) or '単語を復習する' (Review vocabulary). In online forums or communities like Reddit's r/LearnJapanese, discussions frequently revolve around the best methods for '単語の暗記' (memorizing vocabulary).

Standardized Testing: If you are preparing for the JLPT, you will buy specific books dedicated to vocabulary, often with titles like 'JLPT N3 単語 1000' (JLPT N3 1000 Words).

You will also hear this word in casual conversations with native speakers, particularly during language exchange sessions. When you stumble over a sentence because you lack the right word, your partner might ask, 'どの単語がわからないの？' (Which word do you not understand?). Or, if you use a word incorrectly, they might gently correct you by saying, 'その単語はここでは使わないよ' (We don't use that word here). It is the universal pivot point for discussing the mechanics of the language you are trying to speak.

このアプリは単語を覚えるのにとても便利です。(Kono apuri wa tango o oboeru no ni totemo benri desu - This app is very convenient for memorizing vocabulary.)

Translation and Interpretation: Professionals working with languages also use this term when discussing the nuances of specific terms, often referring to '専門単語' (specialized vocabulary) or '英単語' (English vocabulary).

先生、この単語の発音をもう一度お願いします。(Sensei, kono tango no hatsuon o mou ichido onegaishimasu - Teacher, please pronounce this word one more time.)

ニュースを聞いて、わからない単語をメモしました。(Nyuusu o kiite, wakaranai tango o memo shimashita - I listened to the news and took notes on the words I didn't understand.)

会話の中で自然な単語を選ぶのは難しいです。(Kaiwa no naka de shizen na tango o erabu no wa muzukashii desu - It is difficult to choose natural words in conversation.)

While 単語 (tango) is a straightforward concept, English speakers learning Japanese often make subtle mistakes regarding its usage, primarily by confusing it with other words that translate to 'word' in English, or by misunderstanding its scope. The most frequent error involves the overlap between 単語 and 言葉 (kotoba). Understanding the strict boundaries of 単語 is crucial for accurate expression.

Confusing 単語 with 言葉: This is the number one mistake. 'Kotoba' can mean a single word, a phrase, a language, or even a speech/statement. 'Tango' strictly means a single, discrete vocabulary item. You cannot use 'tango' to refer to someone's speech or a general phrase.

For example, if you want to say 'His words moved me,' you must use 言葉 (Kare no kotoba ni kandou shita). If you say 'Kare no tango ni kandou shita,' it sounds absurd, as if you were moved by his specific vocabulary choices or the individual dictionary entries he used, rather than the message he conveyed. 単語 lacks the emotional, communicative, and phrasal depth that 言葉 possesses. It is a purely clinical, grammatical term.

❌ 彼の単語は美しい。
⭕ 彼の言葉は美しい。(Kare no kotoba wa utsukushii - His words/speech are beautiful.)

Another common mistake is using 単語 when referring to a character or a letter. In English, we might loosely say 'How do you write that word?' when we actually mean 'How do you write that kanji character?' In Japanese, a single character is a 字 (ji) or 漢字 (kanji). If you ask 'Kono tango wa dou kakimasu ka?' (How do you write this word?), the person will spell out the entire word. If you only wanted to know how to write one specific kanji within that word, you should have asked about the 漢字.

Scope of the Word: Do not use 単語 to refer to a whole sentence (文章 - bunshou) or a single letter/character (字 - ji). It strictly occupies the middle ground: the individual word.

Learners also sometimes misuse the counter for 単語. While it is acceptable to use the generic counter 個 (ko) as in 単語を3個覚える (memorize 3 words), some learners try to use counters meant for long, thin objects (本) or flat objects (枚) because they are thinking of flashcards. Remember that you are counting the abstract concept of the word itself, not the physical card it is written on. In highly formal contexts, the counter 語 (go) is used (e.g., 3000語 - 3000 words), but 個 is perfectly fine for everyday use.

❌ 単語を三枚覚える。
⭕ 単語を三個覚える。(Tango o sanko oboeru - Memorize three words.)

Pronunciation Pitfall: Ensure you pronounce the 'n' (ん) clearly. It is 'ta-n-go', not 'ta-go'. The pitch accent is typically flat (heiban), meaning it starts low on 'ta' and stays high on 'n' and 'go'.

❌ 日本語の単語を話せますか？
⭕ 日本語を話せますか？(Nihongo o hanasemasu ka? - Can you speak Japanese? - Do not use tango to mean 'language'.)

❌ 優しい単語をかけてくれた。
⭕ 優しい言葉をかけてくれた。(Yasashii kotoba o kakete kureta - They offered kind words. - Tango cannot be 'kind'.)

❌ この単語はどう読みますか？ (Pointing at a single kanji)
⭕ この漢字はどう読みますか？(Kono kanji wa dou yomimasu ka? - How do you read this kanji?)

While 単語 (tango) is the most direct translation for a vocabulary word, the Japanese language possesses a rich array of terms to describe language, words, and communication. Knowing the subtle differences between these alternatives will significantly elevate your Japanese proficiency and allow you to express yourself with much greater precision, especially in academic or professional settings.

言葉 (Kotoba) - The Broad Alternative: As mentioned in the Common Mistakes section, 言葉 is the most common alternative. It is much broader than 単語. It can mean 'word', 'phrase', 'language', 'speech', or 'statement'. Use 言葉 when referring to the communicative aspect of language rather than the structural unit.

Another highly relevant term is 語彙 (goi). While 単語 refers to an individual word, 語彙 refers to 'vocabulary' as a collective whole or a lexicon. If you want to say 'My vocabulary is small,' you should say '語彙が少ない' (goi ga sukunai), not '単語が少ない'. 語彙 represents the entire pool of words known by a person or used in a particular language or domain. You study individual 単語 to increase your overall 語彙.

読書をして語彙を増やす。(Dokusho o shite goi o fuyasu - To increase one's vocabulary by reading.)

If you are dealing with specialized fields, you will encounter the word 用語 (yougo). This translates to 'terminology' or 'jargon'. It refers to words used specifically within a certain profession, science, or art. For example, medical terminology is 医学用語 (igaku yougo), and IT jargon is IT用語 (IT yougo). A 用語 is a type of 単語, but it carries the specific connotation of being specialized and perhaps not understood by the general public.

用語 (Yougo) vs 単語 (Tango): All 用語 are 単語, but not all 単語 are 用語. Use 用語 when discussing technical, academic, or professional terms.

For structural grammar, you might use terms like 名詞 (meishi - noun), 動詞 (doushi - verb), or 形容詞 (keiyoushi - adjective). These categorize the 単語. If you are talking about a compound word made of multiple kanji, you might use the term 熟語 (jukugo), which specifically refers to a kanji compound (usually two or more characters). For example, '勉強' (benkyou) is both a 単語 and a 熟語.

四字熟語を覚えるのは難しい。(Yoji jukugo o oboeru no wa muzukashii - Memorizing four-character idioms is difficult.)

Summary of Alternatives: Use 単語 for individual words, 言葉 for speech/phrases, 語彙 for collective vocabulary, 用語 for terminology, and 熟語 for kanji compounds.

専門用語が多くて、この本は読みにくい。(Senmon yougo ga ookute, kono hon wa yominikui - There is a lot of specialized terminology, making this book hard to read.)

彼の言葉にはいつも重みがある。(Kare no kotoba ni wa itsumo omomi ga aru - His words always carry weight.)

もっと語彙力が必要です。(Motto goiryoku ga hitsuyou desu - More vocabulary power is necessary.)

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The kanji 単 is also used in words like 簡単 (kantan - simple) and 単独 (tandoku - solo). The kanji 語 is used in almost every language name, like 日本語 (Nihongo - Japanese) and 英語 (Eigo - English). So, a 単語 is literally a 'simple piece of a language'.

دليل النطق

UK /ˈtæŋ.ɡoʊ/

US /ˈtæŋ.ɡoʊ/

Flat pitch accent (heiban). Starts low on 'ta', rises on 'n', and stays high on 'go'.

يتقافى مع

産後 (sango - postpartum) 番号 (bangou - number) 暗号 (angou - code) 看護 (kango - nursing) 賛語 (sango - words of praise) 反語 (hango - rhetorical question) 漢語 (kango - Sino-Japanese word) 漫語 (mango - rambling talk)

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing it with a strong English accent like the dance 'tango' with stress on the first syllable.
Failing to give the 'n' (ん) its own full beat (mora) in rhythm.
Pronouncing the 'o' as an English diphthong 'ou' instead of a short, clipped Japanese 'o'.
Confusing the pitch accent, making it drop on the 'go'.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 2/5

The kanji 単 (simple) and 語 (word) are common and usually learned in the first year of serious study (N4 level).

الكتابة 3/5

Writing 語 requires balancing several radicals (言, 五, 口), which can be tricky for beginners.

التحدث 1/5

Very easy to pronounce. Just remember the flat pitch accent.

الاستماع 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to catch in a sentence.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

言葉 (kotoba) 意味 (imi) 辞書 (jisho) 覚える (oboeru) 漢字 (kanji)

تعلّم لاحقاً

語彙 (goi) 文法 (bunpou) 発音 (hatsuon) 熟語 (jukugo) 名詞 (meishi)

متقدم

語源 (gogen - etymology) 類義語 (ruigigo - synonym) 対義語 (taigigo - antonym) 造語 (zougo - coined word) 専門用語 (senmon yougo - technical term)

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Noun + の + Noun

英語の単語 (English vocabulary)

Verb (Dictionary Form) + ために (Purpose)

単語を覚えるために、アプリを使う。 (I use an app to memorize words.)

Verb (Te-form) + みる (Try doing)

辞書で単語を調べてみる。 (I will try looking up the word in the dictionary.)

Relative Clauses (Modifying Nouns with Verbs)

昨日覚えた単語 (The word I memorized yesterday)

Conditional と (Whenever A happens, B happens)

知らない単語を見ると、辞書を引く。 (Whenever I see an unknown word, I consult a dictionary.)

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

これは新しい単語です。

This is a new word.

Basic A=B sentence structure using 'desu'.

単語を覚えます。

I memorize vocabulary.

Direct object marker 'o' with the verb 'oboeru'.

この単語がわかりません。

I don't understand this word.

Subject marker 'ga' with the potential verb 'wakarimasen'.

単語帳を買いました。

I bought a vocabulary notebook.

Past tense of the verb 'kau'.

毎日単語を勉強します。

I study vocabulary every day.

Time word 'mainichi' used without a particle.

難しい単語ですね。

It's a difficult word, isn't it?

Adjective modifying a noun, ending with the agreement particle 'ne'.

単語のテストがあります。

There is a vocabulary test.

Noun modifying noun with 'no', and existence verb 'arimasu'.

その単語を教えてください。

Please teach me that word.

Request form 'te kudasai'.

辞書で単語を調べました。

I looked up the word in the dictionary.

Means/method particle 'de'.

昨日覚えた単語を忘れました。

I forgot the word I memorized yesterday.

Relative clause modifying 'tango'.

この単語はどういう意味ですか。

What does this word mean?

Question phrase 'dou iu imi'.

単語をたくさん知っています。

I know a lot of words.

Adverb 'takusan' modifying the verb 'shitteimasu'.

英語の単語と日本語の単語は違います。

English words and Japanese words are different.

Comparison using 'to' and the verb 'chigaimasu'.

ノートに単語を書きます。

I write words in my notebook.

Target/location particle 'ni' with the verb 'kakimasu'.

単語を覚えるのは大変です。

Memorizing words is tough.

Nominalizer 'no' turning the verb phrase into a subject.

どの単語を使えばいいですか。

Which word should I use?

Conditional 'eba' form with 'ii desu ka' for asking advice.

文脈から単語の意味を推測する。

Guess the meaning of the word from the context.

Source particle 'kara' and the verb 'suisoku suru'.

似ている単語の違いを説明してください。

Please explain the difference between similar words.

Verb 'niteiru' modifying 'tango', and noun 'chigai'.

この単語は日常会話ではあまり使われません。

This word is not used much in daily conversation.

Passive voice 'tsukawaremasen'.

新しい単語に出会うと、必ずメモを取ります。

Whenever I encounter a new word, I always take notes.

Conditional 'to' indicating a habitual action.

単語のニュアンスを理解するのは重要です。

Understanding the nuance of a word is important.

Loanword 'nyuansu' and nominalizer 'no'.

彼は難しい単語を並べて話す傾向がある。

He has a tendency to speak by lining up difficult words.

Te-form for sequential action and 'keikou ga aru'.

語彙力を高めるために、毎日単語帳を見ています。

To improve my vocabulary, I look at my word book every day.

Purpose clause 'tame ni'.

この単語の対義語は何ですか。

What is the antonym of this word?

Vocabulary word 'taigigo' (antonym).

専門的な単語が多くて、論文を読むのに苦労した。

There were many specialized words, so I struggled to read the paper.

Te-form for reason/cause and 'kurou shita'.

その単語は特定の地域でしか通じない方言です。

That word is a dialect that is only understood in a specific region.

Limiting particle 'shika' with negative verb 'tsuujinai'.

単語の語源を調べると、歴史的背景が見えてくる。

When you look up the etymology of a word, the historical background becomes visible.

Conditional 'to' and the verb 'miete kuru' (starts to be seen).

翻訳ソフトは時々、文脈に合わない単語を選択する。

Translation software sometimes selects words that do not fit the context.

Relative clause 'bunmyaku ni awanai' modifying 'tango'.

彼はその単語を皮肉な意味を込めて使った。

He used that word with an ironic meaning included.

Te-form of 'komete' (including/putting into).

同じ単語でも、イントネーションによって意味が変わる。

Even with the same word, the meaning changes depending on the intonation.

Concessive 'demo' and 'ni yotte' (depending on).

この単語は最近の若者の間で流行しているスラングだ。

This word is a slang term currently popular among young people.

Noun modifier 'aida de' and progressive form 'ryuukou shiteiru'.

単語を単独で覚えるより、コロケーションで覚える方が効果的だ。

It is more effective to memorize words in collocations rather than in isolation.

Comparison structure 'yori... hou ga'.

その単語が持つ微妙な言外の意味を汲み取る必要がある。

It is necessary to grasp the subtle implicit meaning that the word possesses.

Complex noun modification 'gengai no imi' and verb 'kumitoru'.

彼は語彙が豊富で、状況に応じて適切な単語を瞬時に選び出す。

He has a rich vocabulary and instantly selects the appropriate word according to the situation.

'ni oujite' (according to) and compound verb 'erabidasu'.

この法律用語は、一般的な単語とは全く異なる解釈をされる。

This legal term is interpreted completely differently from a general word.

Passive voice 'kaishaku sareru' and comparison 'to wa mattaku kotonaru'.

文学作品において、作者の単語の選択は作品のトーンを決定づける。

In literary works, the author's choice of words determines the tone of the work.

Formal location marker 'ni oite' and compound verb 'ketteizukeru'.

外来語が定着する過程で、元の言語の単語とは意味が乖離することがある。

In the process of loanwords taking root, the meaning sometimes diverges from the word in the original language.

Formal vocabulary 'kairi suru' (to diverge/deviate).

その単語は差別的なニュアンスを含むため、公の場での使用は控えるべきだ。

Because that word contains discriminatory nuances, its use in public spaces should be refrained from.

Reason marker 'tame' and formal advice 'hikaeru beki da'.

新語や造語など、時代とともに新しい単語が次々と生み出されている。

New words, such as neologisms and coined words, are being created one after another along with the times.

Passive progressive 'umidasareteiru' and 'to tomo ni'.

彼はその単語の定義を巡って、専門家たちと激しい議論を交わした。

He engaged in a fierce debate with experts over the definition of that word.

'o megutte' (concerning/over) and 'giron o kawashita'.

その古語は現代日本語の単語体系からは完全に姿を消してしまった。

That archaic word has completely disappeared from the vocabulary system of modern Japanese.

Formal expression 'sugata o keshite shimatta'.

特定のイデオロギーを内包する単語の無批判な使用は、思考の硬直化を招く。

The uncritical use of words containing specific ideologies invites the rigidification of thought.

Highly academic vocabulary 'naihou suru', 'muhihan', 'kouchokuka'.

詩人は日常的な単語を非日常的な文脈に置くことで、新たな意味の地平を切り拓く。

By placing everyday words in extraordinary contexts, poets open up new horizons of meaning.

Literary expression 'imi no chihei o kirihiraku'.

その単語の多義性が、このテクストの解釈を著しく困難かつ豊饒なものにしている。

The polysemy of that word makes the interpretation of this text remarkably difficult yet rich.

Academic terms 'tagisei', 'houjou', and complex structure '...o ...na mono ni shiteiru'.

翻訳不可能性の議論において、文化特異的な単語の扱いは常にアポリアとして立ち現れる。

In discussions of untranslatability, the handling of culture-specific words always emerges as an aporia.

Philosophical/linguistic jargon 'aporia', 'bunka-tokuiteki'.

その単語の語源的遡行を試みると、印欧語族の深層にまで到達する可能性がある。

If one attempts an etymological tracing of that word, there is a possibility of reaching the depths of the Indo-European language family.

Academic phrasing 'gogenteki sokou', 'shinsou ni made toutatsu suru'.

権力は、単語の意味を再定義し、流通させることによって、社会の認識論的枠組みを支配する。

Power dominates the epistemological framework of society by redefining and circulating the meanings of words.

Sociological terminology 'ninshikironteki wakugumi', 'saiteigi'.

彼のテクストは、既存の単語の連辞関係を解体し、言語の物質性を露わにする試みである。

His text is an attempt to deconstruct the syntagmatic relations of existing words and expose the materiality of language.

Post-structuralist linguistic terms 'renji kankei', 'kaitai', 'busshitsusei'.

تلازمات شائعة

単語を覚える

単語を調べる

単語を忘れる

単語帳

単語カード

知らない単語

新しい単語

難しい単語

英単語

単語テスト

العبارات الشائعة

この単語の意味は何ですか？

— What is the meaning of this word? Used constantly by learners to ask for definitions.

先生、この単語の意味は何ですか？

単語が並んでいるだけ

— Just a string of words. Used to describe poor grammar where words are just placed next to each other without proper particles.

彼の英語は単語が並んでいるだけだ。

単語力がある

— To have a strong vocabulary. Literally 'word power'.

彼女は単語力があるから、長文も読める。

単語を暗記する

— To memorize words by rote. Often used for cramming for tests.

試験のために単語を暗記する。

単語を引く

— To look up a word (in a dictionary). 'Hiku' implies pulling the meaning from the book.

わからない単語はすぐに辞書で引く。

単語を調べる

— To look up or research a word. More general than 'hiku'.

スマホで単語を調べる。

単語のスペル

— The spelling of a word. Usually used for foreign words.

その単語のスペルを教えて。

単語の発音

— The pronunciation of a word.

この単語の発音が難しい。

単語の使い分け

— The proper distinction/usage between similar words.

似た単語の使い分けを学ぶ。

基本単語

— Basic vocabulary. The fundamental words needed for a language.

まずは基本単語をマスターしよう。

يُخلط عادةً مع

単語 vs 言葉 (kotoba)

Kotoba is broader. It means word, phrase, language, or speech. Tango strictly means a single dictionary entry/vocabulary word.

単語 vs 語彙 (goi)

Goi means 'vocabulary' as a collective whole (a lexicon). Tango is the individual word. You learn 'tango' to increase your 'goi'.

単語 vs 字 (ji)

Ji means a single character or letter (like one kanji). Tango is a word, which may be made of multiple 'ji'.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"単語を並べる"

— To just string words together without proper grammar. Often used to describe beginner-level speaking.

文法がわからず、ただ単語を並べるだけだった。

neutral

"単語の海に溺れる"

— To be overwhelmed by too much vocabulary. A poetic way to describe the feeling of learning a new language.

専門書の単語の海に溺れそうだ。

literary

"一単語も聞き取れない"

— Cannot catch a single word. Used to emphasize complete lack of listening comprehension.

ネイティブの会話は早すぎて、一単語も聞き取れなかった。

informal

"単語レベルで"

— At the word level. Meaning understanding individual words but not the whole sentence.

単語レベルでは理解できるが、文全体の意味がわからない。

neutral

"単語を拾う"

— To pick up words. Listening for keywords when you can't understand the whole sentence.

ニュースを聞いて、知っている単語だけを拾う。

neutral

"単語が飛ぶ"

— To completely forget a word you knew, usually due to nervousness.

スピーチの途中で単語が飛んでしまった。

informal

"単語を絞り出す"

— To squeeze out words. Struggling hard to remember or say a word.

記憶の底から単語を絞り出した。

literary

"単語が口から出ない"

— The word won't come out of my mouth. The tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon.

知っているはずなのに、単語が口から出ない。

informal

"単語を噛み砕く"

— To break down a word. To explain a difficult word in simple terms.

難しい単語を噛み砕いて説明する。

neutral

"単語に詰まる"

— To get stuck on a word. To hesitate because you don't know the right word.

面接で適切な単語に詰まってしまった。

neutral

سهل الخلط

単語 vs 言葉

Both translate to 'word' in English.

言葉 includes phrases, sentences, and the emotional weight of speech ('kind words'). 単語 is strictly a grammatical, isolated unit of vocabulary.

彼の言葉（❌単語）に感動した。 (I was moved by his words.)

単語 vs 語彙

Both relate to vocabulary.

語彙 is uncountable and refers to the entire pool of words someone knows. 単語 is countable and refers to individual items.

語彙（❌単語）が豊富だ。 (Has a rich vocabulary.)

単語 vs 文字

Learners confuse 'word' with 'letter/character'.

文字 refers to the written symbols (A, B, C, or あ, い, う). 単語 is the meaning-carrying unit formed by those symbols.

この単語は３つの文字でできている。 (This word is made of 3 characters.)

単語 vs 用語

Both mean 'word' or 'term'.

用語 specifically means 'terminology' or 'jargon' used in a specific field (e.g., medical terminology). 単語 is any word.

専門用語（❌専門単語）を学ぶ。 (Learn technical terminology.)

単語 vs 文

Learners confuse the parts of a language.

文 (bun) is a full sentence. 単語 (tango) is a single word within that sentence.

この文には知らない単語が３つある。 (There are 3 unknown words in this sentence.)

أنماط الجُمل

これは[Adjective]単語です。

これは新しい単語です。 (This is a new word.)

[Verb-ta]単語を忘れました。

昨日覚えた単語を忘れました。 (I forgot the word I memorized yesterday.)

単語を[Verb-te]、[Verb]ます。

単語を調べて、ノートに書きます。 (I look up the word and write it in my notebook.)

[Noun]に関する単語

経済に関する単語を学ぶ。 (Learn words related to economics.)

単語の[Noun]を理解する

単語の微妙なニュアンスを理解する。 (Understand the subtle nuance of a word.)

単語が持つ[Noun]的背景

単語が持つ歴史的背景を考察する。 (Consider the historical background that a word possesses.)

どうやって単語を[Verb]ますか。

どうやって単語を覚えますか。 (How do you memorize words?)

単語帳を[Verb-te]勉強する。

単語帳を作って勉強する。 (I study by making a vocab book.)

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

単語帳 (tangochou - vocab notebook)

単語カード (tango kaado - flashcard)

英単語 (eitango - English word)

基本単語 (kihon tango - basic word)

مرتبط

語彙 (goi - vocabulary)

言葉 (kotoba - word/language)

辞書 (jisho - dictionary)

意味 (imi - meaning)

暗記 (anki - memorization)

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Extremely High. Top 1000 most common nouns in Japanese, especially in educational contexts.

أخطاء شائعة

彼の単語は優しい。 (His words are kind.) → 彼の言葉は優しい。
単語 strictly means a dictionary vocabulary item. It cannot be 'kind' or carry emotional weight. Use 言葉 (kotoba) for speech or statements.
単語を３枚覚える。 (Memorize 3 words.) → 単語を３個覚える。
Learners sometimes use the counter for flat objects (枚 - mai) because they are thinking of flashcards. Words themselves are abstract and should be counted with 個 (ko) or 語 (go).
日本語の単語を話せますか？ (Can you speak Japanese?) → 日本語を話せますか？
Do not use 単語 to mean 'language'. 単語 means individual words. To ask if someone speaks a language, just use the language name (日本語).
この単語はどう書きますか？ (Pointing at a single kanji character) → この漢字はどう書きますか？
If you are asking about a single character, use 漢字 (kanji) or 字 (ji). 単語 refers to the whole word, which might be made of multiple characters.
単語が少ないです。 (My vocabulary is small.) → 語彙が少ないです。
While 'tango ga sukunai' is understandable, the natural way to talk about the size of your overall vocabulary pool is to use the word 語彙 (goi).

نصائح

Make a Tangochou

Create your own 単語帳 (vocabulary notebook). Writing words down physically helps cement them in your memory better than just looking at a screen.

Pitch Accent Matters

Practice the flat pitch accent (heiban) for 単語. Say 'ta-n-go' with a steady, flat tone, avoiding the English stress on the first syllable.

Use the Right Particle

Always use the object particle を (o) when you are doing an action to a word, like 単語を覚える (memorize a word) or 単語を調べる (look up a word).

Learn Collocations

Don't just learn the word 単語; learn the verbs that go with it. Knowing 'tango o oboeru' as a single chunk is much more useful than knowing the two words separately.

The Flashcard Culture

Embrace the Japanese culture of 単語カード (flashcards). You will see students everywhere in Japan flipping through small rings of cards on the train.

Kotoba vs Tango

When in doubt, if you are talking about a dictionary entry, use 単語. If you are talking about what someone said, use 言葉.

Context is King

Before looking up a unknown 単語 in the dictionary, try to guess its meaning from the surrounding sentence (文脈 - bunmyaku).

Catch the Compound

Listen closely for compound words like 英単語 (English words) or 新出単語 (new words) in your language classes.

Kanji Practice

Practice writing the kanji for 単語. The 語 kanji is incredibly common and appears in the names of almost all languages (日本語, 英語, etc.).

Upgrade to Goi

Once you reach an intermediate level, start using the word 語彙 (goi - vocabulary) when discussing your overall language ability, rather than just 単語.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Imagine doing the TANGO dance, but instead of a partner, you are dancing with a giant FLASHCARD. You are dancing the TANGO with a TANGO (vocabulary word).

ربط بصري

Picture a single, glowing kanji character floating in the air. This single, isolated unit is a 単語. Contrast this with a whole sentence (文章) which is a long string of characters.

Word Web

単語覚える忘れる調べる辞書意味単語帳テスト

تحدٍّ

For the next 24 hours, every time you look up a word in a dictionary, say out loud: 'Atarashii tango o shirabeta!' (I looked up a new word!).

أصل الكلمة

The word 単語 (tango) is a Sino-Japanese word (kango) composed of two kanji. The first kanji, 単 (tan), originally depicted a simple hunting weapon, evolving to mean 'single', 'simple', or 'alone'. The second kanji, 語 (go), combines the radical for 'speech/words' (言) with the phonetic component 吾 (go, meaning 'I' or 'self'), representing language or words spoken by a person. Together, they literally mean 'a single word'.

المعنى الأصلي: A single, isolated unit of speech or language.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

السياق الثقافي

None. It is a completely neutral, academic word.

In English, we often use 'word' loosely to mean a promise ('I give you my word') or a conversation ('Can I have a word?'). In Japanese, 単語 NEVER carries these meanings. It is strictly a linguistic unit.

Target 1900 (A famous English vocabulary book in Japan) JLPT N1 Tango (Standard study books) Anki (The flashcard app heavily associated with tango memorization)

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Language Class

単語テスト (vocab test)
単語帳 (vocab book)
意味を調べる (look up meaning)
発音を練習する (practice pronunciation)

Self-Study

単語カード (flashcards)
暗記する (memorize)
復習する (review)
忘れる (forget)

Reading a Book/Manga

知らない単語 (unknown word)
辞書を引く (consult dictionary)
文脈から推測する (guess from context)
ルビを振る (add furigana)

Language Exchange

どういう意味ですか (what does it mean)
別の単語で言うと (in other words)
自然な単語 (natural word)
スペルを教えて (tell me the spelling)

Taking an Exam (JLPT)

文字・語彙 (characters and vocabulary)
正しい単語を選ぶ (choose correct word)
類義語 (synonyms)
対義語 (antonyms)

بدايات محادثة

"最近、どうやって日本語の単語を覚えていますか？ (How are you memorizing Japanese words recently?)"

"一番好きな日本語の単語は何ですか？ (What is your favorite Japanese word?)"

"英語に翻訳できない日本語の単語を知っていますか？ (Do you know any Japanese words that can't be translated into English?)"

"単語帳とアプリ、どちらで勉強するのが好きですか？ (Which do you prefer studying with, a vocab book or an app?)"

"難しい単語を覚えるコツはありますか？ (Do you have any tips for memorizing difficult words?)"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

今日新しく覚えた単語を３つ書き出し、それを使って文を作ってください。 (Write down 3 new words you learned today and make sentences with them.)

あなたが一番美しいと思う日本語の単語とその理由を書いてください。 (Write down the Japanese word you think is the most beautiful and the reason why.)

単語の暗記で一番苦労していることは何ですか？ (What do you struggle with the most when memorizing vocabulary?)

もしあなたが新しい単語を作れるとしたら、どんな意味の単語を作りますか？ (If you could create a new word, what meaning would it have?)

母国語にはあるけれど、日本語にはない（またはその逆の）単語について考察してください。 (Reflect on a word that exists in your native language but not in Japanese, or vice versa.)

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No. In Japanese, 単語 strictly means a vocabulary item. To say 'Can I have a word with you?', you would use expressions like 'ちょっといいですか' (Chotto ii desu ka - Do you have a moment?) or '話があります' (Hanashi ga arimasu - I have something to talk about).

This is the most common question. 言葉 (kotoba) is a broad term that can mean a word, a phrase, a language, or someone's speech/statement. 単語 (tango) is a clinical, grammatical term meaning a single, discrete vocabulary word. You memorize 単語, but you are moved by someone's 言葉.

For everyday use, you can use the generic counter 個 (ko), as in '単語を10個覚える' (memorize 10 words). In formal or academic contexts, the specific counter 語 (go) is used, as in '3000語の語彙' (a vocabulary of 3000 words).

No, Japanese nouns generally do not have plural forms. 単語 can mean 'word' or 'words' depending on the context. If you need to specify that there are many, use words like たくさん (takusan - many) or specific numbers.

単語帳 (tangochou) literally translates to 'word notebook'. It refers to a vocabulary notebook or a ring of flashcards used specifically for memorizing new words. It is an essential tool for Japanese students.

No. A single kanji character is called a 漢字 (kanji) or 字 (ji). A 単語 is a word, which may consist of one kanji (like 犬 - dog) or multiple kanji (like 勉強 - study).

The specific term for English vocabulary is 英単語 (eitango). This is a very common compound word in Japan due to the heavy emphasis on English education in schools.

The most common verbs are 覚える (oboeru - to memorize), 調べる (shiraberu - to look up), 忘れる (wasureru - to forget), and 使う (tsukau - to use).

It is a neutral, standard word. It is not overly formal, nor is it slang. It is the correct and most natural word to use in any context when referring to a vocabulary item.

You can point to the word and say 'この単語の意味は何ですか？' (Kono tango no imi wa nan desu ka? - What is the meaning of this word?). This is a perfectly natural and polite way to ask.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات

اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة

writing

Write 'vocabulary word' in Japanese (kanji).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

単語 (tango)