lenguaje

/len-GWA-heh/

language

Two simplified human figures communicating face-to-face, indicated by colorful abstract sound waves flowing between them.

Lenguaje refers to the general human ability to communicate.

lenguaje(noun)

mA1

language

The general human ability to communicate

speech

The faculty of speaking

📝 In Action

El lenguaje es lo que nos diferencia de los animales.

Language is what differentiates us from animals.

El desarrollo del lenguaje en los niños es fascinante.

The development of language in children is fascinating.

Word Connections

Synonyms

comunicación (communication)
facultad (faculty/ability)

Common Collocations

adquisición del lenguaje – language acquisition
trastorno del lenguaje – speech disorder

💡 Grammar Points

It's always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-e', 'lenguaje' is always a masculine noun. You must use 'el lenguaje' (the language) and never 'la lenguaje'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Lenguaje vs. Idioma/Lengua

Mistake: "Using 'lenguaje' to mean a specific language like Spanish."

Correction: Use 'idioma' or 'lengua' for specific languages. 'Lenguaje' means the general ability to speak or a style of communication. E.g., 'Hablo el idioma español' (I speak the Spanish language).

⭐ Usage Tips

Focus on the System

Think of 'lenguaje' as the underlying system or mechanism, while 'idioma' is the specific version you learn (like Spanish, French, or English).

A formally dressed character speaking, with their abstract speech represented by graceful, swirling blue ribbons.

Lenguaje can also refer to the manner or style of speaking.

lenguaje(noun)

mB1

style

Manner of speaking

discourse

A specific way of communicating

Also:

terminology

Specialized vocabulary

📝 In Action

Su lenguaje corporal indicaba que estaba nervioso.

His body language indicated he was nervous.

El informe usa un lenguaje demasiado técnico para el público general.

The report uses language that is too technical for the general public.

Ella siempre usa un lenguaje muy educado y formal.

She always uses very polite and formal language.

Word Connections

Synonyms

argot (jargon)
estilo (style)

Common Collocations

lenguaje corporal – body language
lenguaje coloquial – colloquial language (informal)

💡 Grammar Points

Describing the Style

When using 'lenguaje' this way, you almost always follow it with an adjective (like 'formal', 'vulgar', 'técnico') or a prepositional phrase ('lenguaje de la calle' - street language).

A simplified character sitting at a computer, where the monitor displays abstract, glowing geometric shapes and colorful lines representing programming code.

In technology, lenguaje refers to a programming language.

lenguaje(noun)

mB2

language

Programming language

📝 In Action

Python es un lenguaje de programación muy popular para principiantes.

Python is a very popular programming language for beginners.

Necesitamos un nuevo lenguaje para describir este fenómeno.

We need a new language (system of symbols) to describe this phenomenon.

Word Connections

Synonyms

código (code)

Common Collocations

lenguaje binario – binary language
lenguaje formal – formal language (in logic/math)

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: lenguaje

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'lenguaje' according to its primary meaning?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

lengua(tongue; specific language (e.g., Spanish)) - noun

lingüística(linguistics) - noun

lingüista(linguist) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'lenguaje' y 'idioma'?

The difference is subtle but important! 'Lenguaje' is the general ability or system (e.g., 'the human capacity for language,' or 'body language'). 'Idioma' (or 'lengua') refers to a specific, learned system, like 'the Spanish language' or 'the French language.'

Since 'lenguaje' ends in '-e', why isn't it feminine?

Most Spanish nouns ending in '-e' can be either masculine or feminine, but 'lenguaje' is always masculine ('el lenguaje'). You simply have to memorize that this word follows the masculine pattern.