片言
Meanings
1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
broken speech; halting language; baby talk; smattering
Refers to speech that is imperfect, halting, or fragmentary. Can describe a child's early speech, a non-native speaker's broken language, or someone speaking with difficulty. Often used in the phrase 片言を言う.
She asked for directions in broken English.
The baby started babbling.
Usage patterns
- 片言の〈言語〉broken/halting speech in a language
He asked for directions in broken Japanese.
- 片言で〈動詞〉to do something using broken/halting speech
She introduced herself in halting speech.
- 片言を言うto speak in broken words (esp. a young child)
My son can still only manage a few broken words.