English–Japanese

“etymology” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajigogen

Example

この言葉の語源を調べました。ko no koto ba no go gen o shira be ma shi ta

I looked up the etymology of this word.

Illustration for 語源 (etymology)

How to say “etymology” in Japanese

“Etymology” in Japanese is 語源 (gogen).

Traces a word back to the earlier form or source from which its meaning and shape developed.

Full entry for 語源: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 語源

この表現の語源は古い方言にあります。ko no hyō gen no go gen wa furu i hō gen ni a ri ma su

This expression's etymology can be traced to an old dialect.

Tips for using 語源

  • In Japanese, 語源 (gogen) applies to native words as well as borrowed words, so it does not by itself imply an origin outside Japan.

“etymology” in other languages