Translation guide
The English phrase 'one word' can refer to a single lexical item, a brief utterance, or a concise summary. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a single word as a unit of language, such as in vocabulary or dictionary contexts.
The standard term for 'word' as a lexical unit. Use this when talking about vocabulary, dictionary entries, or language learning.
この単語の意味を教えてください。
Please tell me the meaning of this one word.
新しい単語を覚えるのは楽しい。
Learning new words is fun.
A broader term for 'word' or 'language'. Can refer to a single word, but often implies a meaningful expression or phrase. Use in more general contexts.
彼の言葉に感動した。
I was moved by his words (what he said).
一言で表すと、それは「愛」という言葉です。
To sum it up in one word, it's the word 'love'.
A suffix meaning 'word', often used in compounds (e.g., 外来語 'loanword'). Rarely used alone; more common in linguistic contexts.
この語は古語です。
This word is an archaic word.
Emphasizing that something was said in just one word, often as a reply or exclamation.
Literally 'one word', used to mean a brief comment or a single utterance. Very common in phrases like '一言で言うと' (in a word).
彼は一言も話さなかった。
He didn't say a single word.
最後に一言ありますか？
Do you have one final word?
Also means 'one word', but more literal and less common than 一言. Used in contexts like '一語一句' (every single word).
彼は一語も発しなかった。
He didn't utter a single word.
In casual conversation, 'one word' might be expressed by simply using the word itself, like 'はい' (yes) or 'いいえ' (no). Context determines the natural choice.
「行く？」「うん。」
"Are you going?" "Yeah." (one-word reply)
Expressing that something can be described or summarized in a single word.
A set phrase meaning 'in a word' or 'to put it in one word'. Used to introduce a concise summary.
一言で言うと、それは奇跡だった。
In one word, it was a miracle.
Similar to 一言で言うと, meaning 'if expressed in one word'. Slightly more formal.
彼の性格を一言で表すと「優しい」です。
To describe his personality in one word, it's 'kind'.
Means 'to sum up in one word'. Used when concluding or summarizing.
一言でまとめると、成功でした。
To sum it up in one word, it was a success.
単語 is strictly a lexical word, like in a dictionary. 言葉 can mean a word, but also refers to language, speech, or expression in a broader sense. Use 単語 for vocabulary items, and 言葉 for meaningful utterances or the concept of language.
この単語を辞書で調べた。
I looked up this word in the dictionary.
感謝の言葉を述べた。
I expressed words of gratitude.
In English, 'one word' is often used idiomatically (e.g., 'Can I have a word?'). These idioms rarely translate directly. For 'Can I have a word?', use ちょっと話がある or similar.
ちょっと話があるんだけど。
Can I have a word with you?
彼は一言も言わなかった。
He didn't say one word.
これを一言で何と言いますか？
What's the one word for this?