Refers to spoken or written expression, often with a formal or literary tone. Used in contexts like debate, rhetoric, or careful wording.
His words are always sharp.
On that issue, the prime minister chose his words carefully.
Compound of 言 (gen, 'word') and 辞 (ji, 'expression'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination has been used in formal writing to denote speech or wording.