also: こと
Refers to a spoken or written word, remark, or statement. Often used in formal or literary contexts, and commonly appears in compounds such as 発言 (utterance) or 言動 (words and actions).
He tries to be careful with his words in public.
I acted according to his words.
That remark remained deeply in my heart.
He explained the situation fully, sparing no words.
He tried to dodge responsibility by playing with words.
He changed the plan in accordance with his boss's word.
He made an important statement at the meeting.
言 (read こと in classical or poetic compounds like 言の葉) and 事 (こと, 'matter' or 'thing') share the same reading but differ completely in meaning, so context is needed to tell them apart.
語 is the counter used when counting individual words, as in 一語 'one word'.
Standard kanji spelling for the reading げん. High-frequency news and common usage.
Archaic or literary reading こと, mostly found in classical contexts or fixed expressions. Not used in modern standard Japanese.
The kanji 言 is a pictograph of a mouth with a tongue, representing speech. The reading げん is the on'yomi (Sino-Japanese reading), while こと is a rare kun'yomi (native Japanese reading) used in classical Japanese.
dialect; regional language
proposal; recommendation; motion
abusive language; violent language; wild words
public declaration; open profession
speech; expression of views; public discussion
wise saying; famous quote; witty remark
prophecy; to prophesy
declare; state clearly
candid advice; frank advice; honest opinion
joke; jest
advice (to a superior); counsel; proposal; suggestion; recommendation
saying; maxim; aphorism; proverb
remark; statement; discourse
verbal gaffe; slip of the tongue; improper remark
kyogen; comic interlude in Noh · kabuki play; kabuki performance · sham; ruse; put-on
talkativeness; verbosity; garrulity
falsehood; lie
reckless remark; thoughtless words; falsehood
previous remarks; earlier statement
verbal commitment; pledge; promise
declaration; statement; assertion