language
Definitions
A system of spoken or written words used to communicate
语言；文字
A particular such system used by a nation or community (e.g. French, Chinese)
（某种）语言，语种
A style or manner of expression; the words used in a particular field
措辞，用语；（某领域的）语言
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin lingua ('tongue, language') through Old French langage. The root is the same lingu seen in linguistics, but the French route shifted the spelling from lingu- to langu-. So language literally means 'the tongue-thing' — the system your tongue produces.
Root lingu still carries 7 more wordsWhy It Means This
It surprises many learners that language and linguistics share a root. They look unrelated because language took the worn French path (lingua → langage → language) while linguistics took the clean Latin path. Spotting the buried lingu- inside language unlocks the whole family.
Common Collocations
- 1.native language母语
- 2.foreign language外语
- 3.body language肢体语言
- 4.first language第一语言
- 5.sign language手语
Example Sentences
- 1.
English is now the most widely studied language in the world.
- 2.
Children learn their first language without formal teaching.
- 3.
The contract was written in plain, everyday language.