Meanings of 语言
By ear
Play it, then pick what 语言 means.
About 语言
Podcast: 语言
Podcast: 语言
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 语言
语言 (yǔyán) vs 文字 (wénzì) — use 语言 when referring to the spoken or overall concept of language, while 文字 specifically refers to written characters or script.
Be cautious with tone; the correct pronunciation is essential to convey the meaning accurately. In written contexts, it's common to use 语言 in academic or formal discussions, while in casual conversations, you may hear simpler expressions. Watch out for confusion with similar terms like 语调 (yǔ diào), which means 'tone'.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 语言 connects to other vocabulary related to communication, such as 说 (to speak) and 听 (to listen). Students should focus on using 语言 in sentences about language learning or preferences, enhancing their conversational skills in relevant contexts.
Learners often confuse 语言 with other related terms; for example, saying '我喜欢语' instead of '我喜欢语言' (I like language). Remember to use the full term 语言 to convey clarity in your conversations.
Pronunciation of 语言
Drill the tone of 语言, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 语言 to you
Let me explain 语言 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 语言 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 语言?
Learning Lab
Knowing 语言 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say language in Chinese
“language” in Chinese is语言
语言 (yǔ yán) refers to language, encompassing both spoken and written forms of communication. It is used in contexts discussing linguistics, communication, or the study of languages. The term emphasizes the cultural and social aspects of language as a vehicle for expressing thoughts and ideas.
When to use 语言
Be cautious with tone; the correct pronunciation is essential to convey the meaning accurately. In written contexts, it's common to use 语言 in academic or formal discussions, while in casual conversations, you may hear simpler expressions. Watch out for confusion with similar terms like 语调 (yǔ diào), which means 'tone'.
语言 or something close to it
语言 (yǔyán) vs 文字 (wénzì) — use 语言 when referring to the spoken or overall concept of language, while 文字 specifically refers to written characters or script.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 语言 with other related terms; for example, saying '我喜欢语' instead of '我喜欢语言' (I like language). Remember to use the full term 语言 to convey clarity in your conversations.
Write 语言
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 语言 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 语言
语言 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
对于任何一种____来说，文字的出现都是十分重要的。
For any language, the emergence of a writing system is extremely important.
Example sentences for 语言 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 语言?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 语言
You can say '我学习语言' (Wǒ xuéxí yǔyán), meaning 'I study languages'.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 语言?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.