Translation guide
The language a person learns from birth, often used in discussions of identity, education, and linguistics. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 母語 (bogo), but other terms like 母国語 (bokokugo) and 第一言語 (daiichi gengo) are used in specific contexts. The choice depends on whether the emphasis is on the language of one's mother, one's native country, or one's first language in a technical sense.
To refer to the language a person acquires naturally in early childhood, typically from their mother or primary caregivers.
The most direct and common translation for 'mother tongue'. It emphasizes the language learned from one's mother or family. Used in both everyday and academic contexts.
私の母語は日本語です。
My mother tongue is Japanese.
母語を大切にすることは、文化を守ることにつながります。
Valuing one's mother tongue leads to preserving culture.
Refers to the language of one's native country. Often used when discussing the official or national language of one's homeland, which may not be the same as the language spoken at home.
May not be appropriate if the person's first language is a minority language different from the national language.
彼は海外で育ったが、母国語のスペイン語を忘れなかった。
He grew up abroad but didn't forget his mother tongue, Spanish.
A technical term meaning 'first language' (L1). Used in linguistics and education to refer to the language acquired first, without the familial connotation of 母語.
第二言語を学ぶとき、第一言語の影響を受けることがあります。
When learning a second language, you may be influenced by your mother tongue.
A loanword from English 'native language'. Used in casual or modern contexts, but less common than 母語.
彼のネイティブ言語は英語です。
His native language is English.
To emphasize the language tied to one's heritage, even if not fluently spoken.
Can also be used in this sense, especially when discussing heritage languages.
彼女は日本生まれだが、母語は韓国語だと考えている。
She was born in Japan, but considers Korean her mother tongue.
Heritage language. Used in educational contexts for a language learned at home that is not the dominant language of the society.
継承語としての日本語教育が重要です。
Japanese language education as a heritage language is important.
To specify the direction of translation, often into one's native language.
Translation into one's mother tongue. A common principle in professional translation is to translate only into one's native language.
プロの翻訳者は通常、母語への翻訳のみを行います。
Professional translators usually only translate into their mother tongue.
母語 (bogo) is the language learned from one's mother/family; 母国語 (bokokugo) is the language of one's native country; 第一言語 (daiichi gengo) is the technical term for first language. Use 母語 for most general purposes. Use 母国語 when emphasizing the national language. Use 第一言語 in academic or linguistic discussions.
The literal translation '母の舌' (haha no shita) is not used in Japanese and would be confusing. Stick to the terms above.