Spanish word

lenguaje

Pronunciation

IPA/leŋˈgwaxe/

Meaning

  • masculine nounlanguage

Example

El lenguaje humano permite comunicar ideas.

Human language makes it possible to communicate ideas.

Illustration for lenguaje (language)

More examples

Los amigos usan mucho lenguaje coloquial entre ellos.

Friends use a lot of colloquial language with each other.

Core concept

A style or register of speech or writing characteristic of a person, profession, or situation.

Common phrases

  • lenguaje coloquial

    colloquial language

  • lenguaje cotidiano

    everyday speech

  • lenguaje no verbal

    nonverbal communication

Similar words

idioma: System of language shared by a particular country, region, or ethnic group.
lengua: Specific spoken language traditionally used and identified with a people or nation.
habla: Individual's actual way of speaking, including pronunciation and chosen expressions.
registro: Style or level of speech chosen for a situation, varying by formality and audience.

Definition in Spanish

Manera de expresarse propia de una persona, un grupo o una situación comunicativa.

Word origin

From Latin lingua 'tongue' plus a Romance noun-forming suffix, the term evolved to denote types or styles of expression rather than a single named language.

Usage tips

  • When referring to the English language, speakers prefer idioma or lengua, and lenguaje is more likely in phrases about manner of speaking like lenguaje técnico or lenguaje coloquial.

Other meanings

  • manner of speakingnoun
  • expressionnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word