1.
way of speaking, manner of expression
The way someone phrases things or their tone of voice. Often used when someone's phrasing is perceived as problematic, rude, or noteworthy.
その物言いは失礼だ。
That way of speaking is rude.
彼女の物言いにはいつも棘がある。
There is always a barb in the way she speaks.
上から目線の物言いをされると腹が立つ。
It makes me angry when someone talks down to me.
2.
objection, complaint, protest
A formal or informal objection or complaint about something. In sumo, refers to a judge's challenge to the referee's decision.
物言いがついた。
An objection was raised.
審判の判定に物言いがついた。
An objection was raised against the referee's call.
彼のやり方に物言いをつける人は多い。
Many people have objections to the way he does things.
GRAMMAR:
For sense 1, typically used with の or が to describe someone's speech: 物言いが気になる (the way of speaking bothers me). For sense 2, the set phrase 物言いがつく (an objection is raised) or 物言いをつける (to raise an objection) is standard.
CULTURAL NOTE:
In sumo wrestling, 物言い is a formal challenge by a ringside judge (審判) to the referee's (行司) decision. When 物言い is called, the judges gather in the ring to discuss and may reverse the call.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 物言いをつける: to raise an objection
- 物言いがつく: an objection is raised
- きつい物言い: harsh way of speaking
- 物言いに気をつける: to be careful about how one speaks