just a few words; a single word
Often used in the negative phrase 隻語もない (not a single word) or in literary contexts emphasizing brevity. Not an everyday word; more common in written or formal language.
He didn't utter a single word when parting.
There wasn't a single word of apology in that letter.
a few words; a single word
Compound of 隻 (one of a pair, single) and 語 (word, language). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination conveys the idea of a minimal verbal expression.