Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'foreign language' is most commonly expressed as 外国語 (gaikokugo), but there are nuances depending on context, such as whether you're referring to the language itself, the act of studying it, or a specific foreign language like English.
Referring to any language that is not Japanese, in a general sense.
The standard, neutral word for 'foreign language'. Used in formal and informal contexts.
外国語を勉強するのは楽しいです。
Studying foreign languages is fun.
彼は三つの外国語を話せます。
He can speak three foreign languages.
A shorter, slightly more formal or written variant of 外国語. Often used in compound words like 外語大学 (university of foreign studies).
外語学部でスペイン語を専攻しています。
I'm majoring in Spanish at the Faculty of Foreign Languages.
When the context makes it clear which foreign language is meant, especially English, Japanese often uses the specific language name.
In many situations, 'foreign language' in English implies English or another specific language. In Japanese, it's more natural to name the language directly, e.g., 英語 (English), フランス語 (French), etc.
私は英語を教えています。
I teach a foreign language. (if English is understood)
外国語の授業は英語です。
The foreign language class is English.
Talking about foreign language education, ability, or the concept of learning languages.
Refers to language study, especially foreign languages. Often used in contexts like 語学力 (language ability) or 語学学校 (language school).
語学が得意です。
I'm good at foreign languages.
語学留学をしたいです。
I want to study abroad to learn a foreign language.
Literally 'foreign language learning'. Used when specifically emphasizing the learning aspect.
外国語学習に役立つアプリ
An app useful for foreign language learning
Emphasizing that something is in a language other than Japanese, often in educational or comparative contexts.
Used when contrasting with 日本語 (Japanese).
この書類は外国語で書かれています。
This document is written in a foreign language.
A more technical phrase meaning 'language other than one's mother tongue'. Used in academic or formal discussions.
母語以外の言語を習得するのは難しい。
Acquiring a language other than one's mother tongue is difficult.
When the foreign language is known (e.g., English, Chinese), it's often more natural to use the specific name (英語, 中国語) rather than the generic 外国語. For example, 'I'm studying a foreign language' is often 英語を勉強しています if it's English.
外国語 refers to the language itself, while 語学 refers to the study or skill of languages. Use 語学 when talking about language ability or learning as a discipline.