In Japanese, both "tango" (単語) and "kotoba" (言葉) can be translated as "word," but they are used in slightly different contexts:
単語 (tango): This typically refers to individual words or terms, often used in the context of vocabulary or linguistics. It focuses on the discrete units that make up language.
言葉 (kotoba): This has a broader meaning and can refer not only to individual words but also to language, speech, or expression in a more general sense. It encompasses the meaning, sentiment, or significance conveyed through words.
So, while both can mean "word," "tango" is more specific to individual words themselves, whereas "kotoba" includes a wider range of linguistic elements and meanings.