一言

• Reading: ひとこと
• Romaji: hitokoto
• Kanji breakdown: 一 (ichi/hito) — one; 言 (gen/koto) — word, speech
• Pronunciation: /hi.to.ko.to/

Meaning

A single word; a brief remark. A short comment or statement, often carrying significant weight.

Can be read as ひとこと (native Japanese, everyday) or いちごん (Sino-Japanese, more formal/solemn). As ひとこと, commonly used in expressions: 一言言わせて (let me say one thing), 一言も話さない (not utter a single word). Despite meaning 'one word,' it often refers to a brief but meaningful remark. The noun form can also function with する.

Examples

1. 先生に一言お礼を言いたいです。 I'd like to say a word of thanks to my teacher.
2. 彼は一言も文句を言わずに手伝ってくれた。 He helped out without a single word of complaint.
3. 最後に一言だけ言わせてください。 Please let me say just one thing at the end.

Usage Guide

Context: speeches, daily conversation, formal occasions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 一 (hito, one) and 言 (koto, word/speech). A straightforward native Japanese compound meaning 'one word,' used since ancient times.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal