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A2 noun #2,500 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

国語

kokugo
At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'Kokugo' is the word for 'Japanese' when you are talking about school subjects. If you see a timetable for a Japanese child, you will see '国語' (Kokugo) written there. It is like how an English-speaking child has a class called 'English' or 'Language Arts.' You don't need to use this word to describe your own Japanese studies yet; stick to 'Nihongo.'
At the A2 level, you should recognize 'Kokugo' in contexts like dictionaries (Kokugo Jiten) or school-related conversations. You might hear a friend say they were bad at 'Kokugo' in high school. Understand that this refers to the study of their own language, including reading difficult books and writing essays. It's a noun that represents the 'National Language' of Japan.
At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between 'Kokugo' and 'Nihongo.' 'Kokugo' is used when the speaker is looking at the language from the inside, as a member of the nation. You will encounter this word in news reports about language trends or in discussions about education. You should be able to use 'Kokugo' correctly when referring to the Japanese school curriculum or official language policies.
At the B2 level, you can appreciate the cultural and political weight of the term 'Kokugo.' It implies a sense of national identity and standardization. You might read articles about 'Kokugoryoku' (national language proficiency) and how it relates to logical thinking and social success. You should understand that 'Kokugo' includes classical literature (Kobun) and is a key part of what defines 'being Japanese' in an educational sense.
At the C1 level, you should be able to discuss the historical development of 'Kokugo' as a construct of the Meiji era to unify Japan. You can engage with academic texts that debate the boundaries between 'Kokugo' and 'Nihongo' (the 'Kokugo vs. Nihongo' debate in linguistics). You understand how the term is used to promote linguistic nationalism or to define the standards of 'correct' Japanese in the media and government.
At the C2 level, you have a comprehensive grasp of 'Kokugo' as a sociolinguistic and political concept. You can analyze how 'Kokugo' education shapes the Japanese worldview and how it deals with regional dialects and the influx of foreign influences. You are familiar with the works of the 'Kokugo Shingikai' (National Language Council) and can critique the ideological implications of treating a language as a 'National Language' versus a 'Common Language.'
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

国語 en 30 secondes

  • Kokugo refers to the national language, specifically Japanese as taught to native speakers in schools.
  • It differs from Nihongo, which is the term used for Japanese as a foreign language or in a linguistic context.
  • The term covers school subjects, dictionaries for natives, and official government language policies and standards.
  • It carries a nuance of national identity, cultural heritage, and the standardized form of the language.

The term 国語 (Kokugo) is a fundamental concept in the Japanese linguistic landscape, but its meaning shifts significantly depending on the context in which it is used. At its most basic level, it translates to 'national language.' However, in Japan, it specifically refers to the Japanese language as taught to native speakers within the compulsory education system. This is a crucial distinction for learners to grasp: while Nihongo is the language as a foreign object of study, Kokugo is the language as a vessel of national identity, literature, and heritage.

Academic Context
Refers to the school subject covering reading, writing, and literature for native Japanese students.
Official Context
Used by the government to refer to the standardized form of the language used in laws and broadcasting.
Identity Context
Represents the 'soul' of the nation, often tied to the concept of Kotodama (the spirit of words).

明日、国語のテストがあるんだ。 (Ashita, kokugo no tesuto ga arunda.)

— I have a Japanese (National Language) test tomorrow.

To understand 国語, one must look at the history of the Meiji Restoration. Before this era, Japan was a collection of distinct dialects that were often mutually unintelligible. The creation of 'Kokugo' was a deliberate political and educational effort to unify the nation under a single 'Standard Japanese' (Hyojungo). Therefore, when a Japanese person says 'Kokugo,' they are often subconsciously referring to this standardized, literary, and formal version of their tongue.

国語辞典で言葉の意味を調べます。 (Kokugo jiten de kotoba no imi o shirabemasu.)

— I will look up the meaning of the word in a Japanese dictionary.

Furthermore, the term encompasses not just the mechanics of grammar and vocabulary, but also the appreciation of classical literature (Kobun) and Chinese classics (Kanbun) which are integral parts of the 'Kokugo' curriculum in Japanese middle and high schools. It is the study of how to express oneself correctly and beautifully within the cultural framework of Japan.

彼は国語力が非常に高い。 (Kare wa kokugoryoku ga hijō ni takai.)

— He has a very high command of the national language (literacy/expressive power).
Kokugo vs. Nihongo
Kokugo is 'internal' (for us); Nihongo is 'external' (the language as a system).

小学校の国語の教科書は懐かしい。 (Shōgakkō no kokugo no kyōkasho wa natsukashii.)

— Elementary school Japanese textbooks bring back memories.

政府は国語施策を推進している。 (Seifu wa kokugo shisaku o suishin shite iru.)

— The government is promoting national language policies.
Common Collocation
国語審議会 (Kokugo Shingikai) - National Language Council.

Using 国語 (Kokugo) correctly requires an understanding of social perspective. It is most commonly used in educational settings. For instance, if you are talking about a student's grades, you would refer to their 'Kokugo' score, not their 'Nihongo' score. This is because the curriculum assumes the student already speaks the language and is now learning to master its nuances, literature, and formal writing styles.

In a broader sense, 'Kokugo' is used when discussing the language as a national asset. You will see it in terms like 国語世論調査 (Kokugo Yoron Chōsa), which is a public opinion survey on the national language conducted by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. This survey tracks how people's usage of certain words or phrases changes over time, treating the language as a living, breathing part of the national identity.

Another important usage is in the term 国語力 (Kokugoryoku). This doesn't just mean 'knowing Japanese'; it refers to the ability to comprehend complex texts, express thoughts logically, and communicate effectively using the full range of the language's resources. A person with high 'Kokugoryoku' is seen as well-educated and articulate.

When browsing a bookstore in Japan, you will find the 'Kokugo' section contains dictionaries for native speakers, books on grammar for students, and works on the history of the Japanese language. In contrast, the 'Nihongo' section is usually where you will find JLPT prep books and textbooks for foreign learners. This physical separation in bookstores perfectly illustrates the conceptual separation in the Japanese mind.

It is also used in political discourse. Discussions about protecting the 'Kokugo' often involve concerns about the over-use of loanwords (Gairaigo) or the decline of Kanji proficiency among the youth. In this context, 'Kokugo' is something to be preserved and respected, almost like a national monument made of words.

The most common place to hear 国語 (Kokugo) is in a school environment. Teachers, students, and parents use it daily. 'Did you finish your Kokugo homework?' or 'The Kokugo teacher is strict' are standard phrases. It is the default name for the subject of 'Japanese' in the K-12 system.

You will also hear it on the news, particularly when the government releases reports on language usage. News anchors might discuss 'the changing state of our Kokugo' when reporting on new slang or the influence of English on the Japanese language. It carries a tone of formality and national importance in these broadcasts.

In libraries and bookstores, 'Kokugo' is a primary category label. If you ask a librarian for a 'Kokugo Jiten,' they will lead you to the monolingual Japanese dictionaries. It is the standard term used in the publishing industry for linguistic reference materials aimed at the domestic market.

In the workplace, while less common than in schools, it might come up in the context of 'Kokugoryoku' during hiring or performance reviews. An employer might note that a candidate has excellent 'Kokugoryoku,' meaning they can write professional emails and reports with high precision and appropriate register.

Finally, you will encounter it in official documents and laws. The 'Fundamental Law on the National Language' (if such a thing is being debated) or any administrative guidance regarding the 'National Language' will always use 'Kokugo.' It is the 'official' name of the language within the borders of Japan.

The most frequent mistake for learners is using 国語 (Kokugo) when they should use 日本語 (Nihongo). For example, saying 'I am studying Kokugo' (国語を勉強しています) sounds like you are a Japanese student studying for a school exam. As a foreign learner, you should say 'Nihongo o benkyō shite imasu.'

Another mistake is assuming 'Kokugo' refers to any national language. While the literal meaning is 'national language,' in a Japanese context, it almost exclusively means 'the Japanese language.' If you want to refer to the national language of France, you would usually say 'Furansu no kōyogō' (official language) or 'Furansugo' (French language), rather than calling it 'France's Kokugo' unless you are speaking in a very specific academic/comparative linguistic framework.

Learners also sometimes confuse 母国語 (Bokokugo) with 国語 (Kokugo). 'Bokokugo' means 'mother tongue' or 'native language.' While for a Japanese person, their 'Bokokugo' is 'Kokugo,' the terms are not interchangeable. 'Bokokugo' is about the individual's primary language, while 'Kokugo' is about the nation's standardized language.

In writing, learners might use 'Kokugo' in a casual setting where 'Nihongo' is more appropriate. 'Kokugo' has a formal, academic, or institutional ring to it. Using it in a casual conversation about a movie you watched in Japanese might feel slightly out of place or overly stiff.

Lastly, don't assume that 'Kokugo' only refers to modern Japanese. As a school subject, 'Kokugo' includes the study of 'Kobun' (Classical Japanese) and 'Kanbun' (Classical Chinese). If you say you like 'Kokugo,' a Japanese person might ask you if you like reading the 'Tale of Genji' or ancient poetry, which might not be what you meant!

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 国語 (Kokugo) helps clarify its specific niche in the language. The most obvious related word is 日本語 (Nihongo). As discussed, 'Nihongo' is the objective name of the language, used globally and by learners. It is the 'what,' while 'Kokugo' is the 'how we use it as a nation.'

母語 (Bogo) or 母国語 (Bokokugo) refers to one's native language. A person's 'Bogo' might be English, but if they live in Japan, the 'Kokugo' of their environment is Japanese. 'Bogo' is personal and developmental, whereas 'Kokugo' is political and educational.

公用語 (Kōyogō) means 'official language.' In many countries, the 'Kokugo' and 'Kōyogō' are the same, but in multilingual nations like Switzerland or Singapore, there are multiple 'Kōyogō' but perhaps a different conceptual 'Kokugo' for different communities. In Japan, Japanese is both the 'Kokugo' and the de facto 'Kōyogō.'

標準語 (Hyōjungo) means 'Standard Japanese.' This is the specific version of the language that 'Kokugo' education aims to teach. While 'Kokugo' is the name of the subject or the concept, 'Hyōjungo' is the specific linguistic variety based on the Tokyo dialect used in media and education.

共通語 (Kyōtsūgo) means 'common language.' This is a more modern term often used instead of 'Hyōjungo' to avoid the implication that one dialect is 'better' than others. It refers to the version of Japanese that allows people from different regions to communicate effectively.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

""

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

今日の１時間目は国語です。

The first period today is Japanese class.

Noun used as a subject.

2

国語の教科書を忘れた。

I forgot my Japanese textbook.

Possessive 'no' connecting two nouns.

3

国語は好きですか？

Do you like Japanese (as a subject)?

Topic marker 'wa' with a question.

4

これは国語のノートです。

This is a Japanese language notebook.

Demonstrative 'kore' with 'desu'.

5

国語の先生は優しいです。

The Japanese teacher is kind.

Adjective 'yasashii' describing the teacher.

6

国語のテストは明日です。

The Japanese test is tomorrow.

Time expression 'ashita'.

7

国語で作文を書きました。

I wrote an essay in Japanese class.

Particle 'de' indicating the context/subject.

8

国語の本を読みます。

I read a Japanese book.

Object marker 'o'.

1

国語辞典を使って意味を調べた。

I used a Japanese dictionary to look up the meaning.

Te-form for sequence of actions.

2

彼は国語が得意だ。

He is good at Japanese (the subject).

Adjective 'tokui' indicating proficiency.

3

小学校で国語を習います。

We learn Japanese in elementary school.

Particle 'de' for location of action.

4

国語の授業は面白いです。

The Japanese class is interesting.

Noun modifying noun with 'no'.

5

国語の宿題がたくさんあります。

There is a lot of Japanese homework.

Existential 'arimasu' with 'takusan'.

6

国語の時間に漢字を練習します。

We practice Kanji during Japanese class.

Time particle 'ni'.

7

この国語の辞書は使いやすい。

This Japanese dictionary is easy to use.

Verb stem + 'yasui' (easy to do).

8

国語の成績が上がりました。

My Japanese grades went up.

Intransitive verb 'agaru'.

1

国語と日本語の違いは何ですか？

What is the difference between 'Kokugo' and 'Nihongo'?

Comparing two nouns with 'to'.

2

日本の学校では国語が必須科目です。

Japanese is a compulsory subject in Japanese schools.

Topic marker 'wa' and subject marker 'ga'.

3

国語の力をもっとつけたい。

I want to improve my national language skills.

Tai-form for desire.

4

国語の教科書には有名な小説が載っている。

Famous novels are included in Japanese textbooks.

Passive-like state with 'notte iru'.

5

彼は国語の教員免許を持っている。

He has a teaching license for Japanese.

Compound noun 'kyōin menkyo'.

6

国語の授業で夏目漱石を読んだ。

We read Natsume Soseki in Japanese class.

Specific author name as object.

7

最近の若者は国語力が低下していると言われる。

It is said that the language skills of young people today are declining.

Passive 'iwareru' (it is said).

8

国語辞典は言葉の正しい使い方を教えてくれる。

A Japanese dictionary teaches us the correct way to use words.

Benefactive 'oshiete kureru'.

1

国語の審議会が新しい漢字の指針を出した。

The National Language Council issued new guidelines for Kanji.

Specific institutional subject.

2

国語教育の目的は、論理的な思考力を養うことだ。

The purpose of national language education is to cultivate logical thinking skills.

Nominalizing with 'koto da'.

3

彼は国語学者として、方言の研究をしている。

As a scholar of the national language, he researches dialects.

Role marker 'toshite'.

4

国語の授業で古典文学の奥深さを知った。

I learned the depth of classical literature in Japanese class.

Abstract noun 'okufukasa'.

5

国語施策は、時代の変化に合わせて見直されるべきだ。

National language policies should be reviewed in accordance with the changing times.

Passive 'naosareru' + 'beki' (should).

6

国語の乱れを嘆く声が各方面から上がっている。

Voices lamenting the 'corruption' of the national language are rising from various quarters.

Metaphorical 'midare' (disorder).

7

国語辞典を引く習慣は、語彙力を豊かにする。

The habit of consulting a Japanese dictionary enriches one's vocabulary.

Causative-like 'yutaka ni suru'.

8

明治時代に「国語」という概念が確立された。

The concept of 'Kokugo' was established in the Meiji era.

Passive 'kakuritsu sareta'.

1

「国語」と「日本語」の境界線は、多分に政治的なものである。

The boundary between 'Kokugo' and 'Nihongo' is largely a political one.

Adverbial 'tabun ni' (largely/to a great extent).

2

国語教育における「書くこと」の重要性が再認識されている。

The importance of 'writing' in national language education is being recognized anew.

Compound particle 'ni okeru' (in/regarding).

3

近代化の過程で、国語は国民統合の手段として機能した。

In the process of modernization, the national language functioned as a means of national integration.

Noun + 'to shite kinō shita'.

4

国語審議会の答申は、放送用語にも大きな影響を与える。

The reports of the National Language Council also significantly influence broadcasting terminology.

Impact verb 'eikyō o ataeru'.

5

翻訳不可能な言葉こそが、その国の国語の真髄を語っている。

Words that are untranslatable speak to the very essence of that country's national language.

Emphatic 'koso'.

6

国語の授業で扱う教材の選定には、常に議論がつきまとう。

The selection of materials used in Japanese classes is always accompanied by debate.

Verb 'tsukimatou' (to haunt/accompany).

7

言語学的な視点から見れば、国語は一つのイデオロギーである。

From a linguistic perspective, 'Kokugo' is an ideology.

Conditional 'ba' with 'shiten kara mireba'.

8

国語の表現力は、個人の思考の限界を規定する。

The expressive power of one's national language defines the limits of an individual's thoughts.

Transitive verb 'kitei suru'.

1

国語という枠組みが、多文化共生社会においてどう変容すべきかが問われている。

The question is being asked how the framework of 'Kokugo' should transform in a multicultural society.

Passive 'towarete iru' (is being questioned).

2

「国語」の概念を脱構築し、言語の多様性を認める動きがある。

There is a movement to deconstruct the concept of 'Kokugo' and recognize linguistic diversity.

Philosophical term 'datsu-kōchiku' (deconstruct).

3

国語政策の歴史を紐解くと、当時の国家観が鮮明に浮かび上がる。

Unraveling the history of national language policy clearly reveals the view of the state at that time.

Verb 'himotoku' (to unravel/read).

4

グローバル化の進展に伴い、国語教育の在り方が根本から揺さぶられている。

With the progress of globalization, the very nature of national language education is being shaken to its core.

Compound particle 'ni tomonai' (along with).

5

国語審議会の変遷は、戦後日本の言語意識の変容を如実に物語っている。

The transition of the National Language Council vividly tells the story of the transformation of language consciousness in post-war Japan.

Adverb 'nyojitsu ni' (vividly/realistically).

6

方言を国語の周辺的なものと見なす態度は、もはや時代遅れである。

The attitude of regarding dialects as peripheral to the national language is already outdated.

Noun + 'to minasu' (to regard as).

7

国語の純潔性を守ろうとする言説には、しばしば排外主義的な響きが含まれる。

Discourses that attempt to protect the purity of the national language often contain xenophobic overtones.

Noun 'gensetsu' (discourse).

8

デジタル時代の到来は、国語の書記体系に未曾有の変革をもたらしている。

The arrival of the digital age is bringing unprecedented changes to the writing system of the national language.

Noun 'mizō' (unprecedented).

Collocations courantes

国語辞典 (Kokugo jiten)
国語力 (Kokugoryoku)
国語教育 (Kokugo kyōiku)
国語の授業 (Kokugo no jugyō)
国語審議会 (Kokugo shingikai)
国語の先生 (Kokugo no sensei)
国語の教科書 (Kokugo no kyōkasho)
国語のテスト (Kokugo no tesuto)
国語施策 (Kokugo shisaku)
国語世論調査 (Kokugo yoron chōsa)

Phrases Courantes

国語を勉強する (Study national language)

国語が苦手だ (Bad at national language)

国語が得意だ (Good at national language)

国語で書く (Write in the national language)

国語を乱す (Corrupt the national language)

国語を大切にする (Cherish the national language)

国語の点数 (Score in national language)

国語の時間 (National language period)

国語の問題 (National language problem/question)

国語の変遷 (Transition of the national language)

Souvent confondu avec

国語 vs 日本語

国語 vs 母国語

国語 vs 公用語

Expressions idiomatiques

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Facile à confondre

国語 vs

国語 vs

国語 vs

国語 vs

国語 vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

contextual difference

Nihongo = The language itself. Kokugo = The language as a national/educational entity.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using Kokugo instead of Nihongo when introducing yourself as a learner.
  • Assuming Kokugo Jiten are easy for beginners.
  • Thinking Kokugo only means 'speaking' Japanese.
  • Confusing Kokugo with Bokokugo (native language).
  • Using Kokugo to refer to foreign languages like English.

Astuces

Read School Books

Reading elementary Kokugo textbooks is a great way to build foundational skills.

Ask Natives

Ask Japanese friends what their favorite Kokugo lesson was to start a conversation.

Use Kokugo Jiten

Once you reach B2 level, try using a Kokugo Jiten to understand nuances better.

Understand Identity

Recognize that 'Kokugo' is tied to how Japanese people see themselves.

JLPT vs Kokugo

Remember that JLPT is for 'Nihongo,' while school exams are for 'Kokugo'.

Genkou Youshi

Kokugo essays are traditionally written on grid paper called Genkou Youshi.

News Reports

Pay attention to how 'Kokugo' is used in formal news broadcasts.

Compound Words

Learn words like 'Kokugoryoku' to sound more advanced.

Meiji Era

Briefly research the Meiji era to understand why 'Kokugo' was created.

Respect the Term

Using 'Kokugo' correctly shows you understand Japanese social structures.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

The term existed in ancient times but was redefined during the Meiji period (late 19th century) to create a unified linguistic identity for the modern Japanese nation-state.

Contexte culturel

Correct use of Keigo is often taught as part of the Kokugo curriculum.

A 'Kokugo Jiten' is a staple in every Japanese household.

Kokugo is one of the most important subjects in the Japanese entrance exam system.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"学生時代、国語は得意でしたか？"

"最近の国語の乱れについてどう思いますか？"

"お勧めの国語辞典はありますか？"

"国語の授業で一番印象に残っている本は何ですか？"

"国語力を高めるにはどうすればいいと思いますか？"

Sujets d'écriture

自分にとっての「国語」とは何か書いてみましょう。

国語の授業で学んだことで、今も覚えていることはありますか？

「国語」と「日本語」の違いについて、自分の考えをまとめましょう。

外国語を学ぶことで、自分の国語に対する見方は変わりましたか？

理想的な国語教育とはどのようなものか考えてみましょう。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It's better to say 'Nihongo' unless you are specifically following the Japanese school curriculum.

In Japan, yes. In other countries, 'Kokugo' refers to their respective national languages.

A monolingual Japanese dictionary for native speakers.

Kokugo includes classical literature and advanced literacy, so it can be very challenging.

It literally means 'Country Language,' emphasizing its role as the national tongue.

Like any school subject, some love it for the literature, others find the grammar and Kanji difficult.

It refers to one's ability to use the national language effectively and logically.

The modern concept was solidified during the Meiji Restoration.

Kokugo is the subject/concept; Hyojungo is the standard dialect taught within it.

Yes, Kanji is a major part of the Kokugo curriculum.

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