also: にげん
double-dealing; going back on one's word
Refers to saying different things at different times, breaking a promise, or being two-faced. Often used in negative contexts or set phrases like 二言はない (I won't go back on my word).
He can't be trusted because he goes back on his word.
repeating oneself; saying the same thing twice
Used when someone says something again unnecessarily. Often appears in the set phrase 二言と繰り返さない (not to repeat oneself).
Don't repeat yourself.
Once I decide, I won't go back on my word.
Standard kanji form; the reading にごん is the most common.
Alternate reading; less common and may be considered non-standard in modern usage.
Compound of 二 (two) and 言 (word/speech), literally meaning 'two words'. The meaning of inconsistency or repetition derives from the idea of having two different statements.