1.
a word, single word
Literally one word, but often means a brief comment or remark.
彼は一言も話さなかった。
He didn't say a single word.
一言で言えば、失敗だった。
In a word, it was a failure.
一言で言えば = in a word, to put it briefly
一言多い人は嫌われやすい。
People who always have one word too many tend to be disliked.
一言多い = saying one word too many
2.
brief comment, few words
A short statement or remark.
一言お願いします。
Please say a few words.
Common request at events or gatherings
一言言わせてください。
Let me say something.
最後に一言、お礼を申し上げます。
In closing, I would like to say a few words of thanks.
Often used to request or offer a brief comment.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 一言お願いします (Please say a few words)
- 一言言わせてください (Let me say something)
- 一言で言えば (in a word, to put it briefly)
- 一言多い (one word too many; talks too much)
- 一言も言わない (not say a word)
ALTERNATIVE READING:
- いちごん - more formal, literary reading
- ひとこと - everyday usage
COUNTER NOTE:
- Despite meaning "one word," 一言 often refers to a brief statement, not literally a single word.