C2adjectivelanguage
US/kəˈloʊ.kwi.əl/
UK/kəˈləʊ.kwi.əl/
used in informal, everyday conversation rather than in formal speech or writing
In context
'Gonna' is a colloquial form of 'going to' that you shouldn't use in essays.
The novel is written in colloquial Vietnamese, full of Saigon slang.
Learners often understand textbook English but struggle with colloquial speech.
Words that go with colloquial
adjective + noun
- colloquial languageText messages are full of colloquial language and abbreviations.
- colloquial expression'Hang out' is a colloquial expression for spending time together.
- colloquial EnglishThis podcast helps you understand colloquial English.
- colloquial speechIn colloquial speech, people often drop the ends of words.
- colloquial term'Saigon' is still the colloquial term most locals use for the city.
- colloquial styleHer blog has a warm, colloquial style.