brief word; a few words
Often used in negative constructions like 半句も言わない (not say a single word) or 半句も文句を言わない (not utter a word of complaint).
He left the room without saying a single word.
No matter how much she was scolded, she didn't utter a word of complaint.
a single word; (not even) a word or syllable
a single word; even a word; even a syllable
Compound of 半 (half) and 句 (phrase, clause), literally 'half a phrase', used to mean a very brief utterance.