language
gb/lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/ us/lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
A1
English
~ 500
nyelv, nyelvezet, nyelvhasználat, jelrendszer, szaknyelv
NOUN
A1
1
nyelv
A1
Usage pattern:
[someone] speaks [a language]
English is the most widely studied language in the world.
Az angol a világon a legszélesebb körben tanult nyelv.
She speaks three languages fluently.
Három nyelven beszél folyékonyan.
Sign language is essential for many deaf people.
The language of the contract is very technical.
Learning a new language can open up opportunities.
Learner examples
I am learning the English language.
Az angol nyelvet tanulom.
Spanish is my first language.
A spanyol az anyanyelvem.
Many people speak the Chinese language.
French is a beautiful language.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'language' with 'dialect'; a dialect is a regional variety of a language, not a separate language.
Meaning
system of human communication
Collocations
foreign language
|native language
|language skills
|language barrier
|sign language
Synonyms
tongue (More formal or literary term for a language, often used in cultural contexts.)
Antonyms
silence (The absence of spoken communication.)
Themes
communication
|culture
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Words and rules used by people to talk or write to each other.
A structured system of spoken, written, or signed words and symbols used by people to communicate.
NOUN
B1
2
nyelvezet
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] uses [a type of] language
The teacher encouraged the use of polite language in class.
A tanár udvarias nyelvhasználatra biztatta a diákokat az órán.
His speech was full of figurative language.
A beszéde tele volt képes kifejezésekkel.
Legal documents often contain formal language.
The movie contains strong language and may not be suitable for children.
Learner examples
He uses polite language with his boss.
A főnökével udvarias nyelvezetet használ.
The book has very simple language.
A könyv nyelvezete nagyon egyszerű.
The sign has rude language on it.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'language' here means a different national language, but it refers to style or choice of words.
Meaning
style of speaking or writing
Collocations
formal language
|offensive language
|figurative language
|polite language
Synonyms
wording (Focuses more on the specific choice of words rather than overall style.)
Antonyms
silence (No spoken or written expression at all.)
Themes
communication
|literature
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The way someone speaks or writes, including the words they choose.
A particular style, manner, or choice of words used in speech or writing.
NOUN
B2
3
Python is a popular programming language.
A Python népszerű programozási nyelv.
Mathematics can be considered a universal language.
A matematika egyetemes nyelvnek tekinthető.
Body language often reveals more than words.
Learner examples
We learn the Java programming language at school.
Az iskolában a Java programozási nyelvet tanuljuk.
Body language can show you are happy.
A testbeszéd elárulhatja, hogy boldog vagy.
Math is like a world language.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with national languages, but it refers to symbolic systems beyond spoken languages.
Meaning
specialized communication system
Collocations
computer language
|body language
|programming language
Synonyms
code (Emphasizes symbolic representation, especially in computing or secret communication.)
Themes
technology
|science
|communication
|education
Definition
A way of communicating using signs, symbols, or special words for a certain group or subject.
A set of signs, symbols, or codes used for communication in a specialized field or among specific groups.
Grammar
Dictionary form
language
IPA
GB/lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
US/lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
Syllables & stress
lan - guage (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (lan)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: language
- Plural: language, languages
Word family
Forms
languages
noun
Core family
linguistic
adjective B2
linguist
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
nonlinguistic
adjective
Advanced or less common
linguistically
adverb
bilingualism
noun
Expressions
bad language
1/bˈæd lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
offensive words in speech/writing
Rude or impolite words in talking or writing.
Examples
- The teacher warned him about using bad language.
- That movie has a lot of bad language.
foreign language
1/fˈɔɹən lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
non-native language
A language that is not from your country or culture.
Examples
- Learning a foreign language can be challenging.
- French is a foreign language for me.
native language
1/nˈeɪtɪv lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
first learned language
The first language you learn as a child.
Examples
- Her native language is Spanish.
- English is not his native language.
sign language
1/sˈaɪn lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
visual manual communication system
A way of talking using hand movements and expressions instead of sounds.
Examples
- She is fluent in American Sign Language.
- Sign language helps many deaf people communicate.
language barrier
1/lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ bˈɛɹiɚ/
fixed phrase
difficulty communicating due to different languages
A problem in talking because people speak different languages.
Examples
- Travelers may face a language barrier when visiting new countries.
- The language barrier made it hard to order food in the small village.
- The project was delayed because of the language barrier between teams.
- Overcoming the language barrier was their first challenge at work.