World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesNative-Tongue
/ˈneɪ.tɪv tʌŋ/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
The first language that a person learns at home in childhood.
"For many immigrants, their native-tongue is a vital link to their cultural heritage." - 2
A language that is specific to a particular community or group.
"In multilingual societies, preserving one's native-tongue is essential for cultural continuity."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The term 'native-tongue' combines 'native', derived from the Latin 'nativus', meaning 'born' or 'natural', and 'tongue', which comes from Old English 'tunge', referring to the organ of speech. The phrase evolved to signify the first language learned by an individual, reflecting cultural and linguistic identity.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Native-Tongue"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Native-Tongue" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
langue maternelle
Transliteration: lɑ̃ɡ matɛʁnɛl
"Le français est ma langue maternelle."
Muttersprache
Transliteration: ˈmʊtɐˌʃpʁaːxə
"Deutsch ist meine Muttersprache."
lingua madre
Transliteration: ˈliŋɡua ˈmadre
"L'italiano è la mia lingua madre."
lengua materna
Transliteration: ˈleŋɡwa maˈteɾna
"El español es mi lengua materna."
língua materna
Transliteration: ˈlĩɡwɐ ˈmatɛʁnɐ
"O português é a minha língua materna."
मातृभाषा
Transliteration: mātr̥bhāṣā
"हिंदी मेरी मातृभाषा है।"
母语
Transliteration: mǔyǔ
"汉语是我的母语。"
모국어
Transliteration: mogugeo
"한국어는 저의 모국어입니다."
母国語
Transliteration: bokokugo
"日本語は私の母国語です。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA voltage level that is lower than the standard voltage used in electrical systems, typically used for safety in low-power applications.
The difference in electric potential between two points, measured in volts.
A term used in German to denote a specific type of entity or concept.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Native-Tongue"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.