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.
Please tell me the meaning of this one word.
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.
A suffix meaning 'word', often used in compounds (e.g., 外来語 'loanword'). Rarely used alone; more common in linguistic contexts.
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).
He didn't say a single 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).
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.
"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.
In one word, it was a miracle.
Similar to 一言で言うと, meaning 'if expressed in one word'. Slightly more formal.
Means 'to sum up in one word'. Used when concluding or summarizing.
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.
I looked up this word in the dictionary.
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.
Can I have a word with you?
He didn't say one word.
What's the one word for this?
彼の言葉に感動した。
I was moved by his words (what he said).
To sum it up in one word, it's the word 'love'.
This word is an archaic word.
Do you have one final word?
He didn't utter a single word.
To describe his personality in one word, it's 'kind'.