片(かた)

A productive prefix meaning "one of a pair" or "one-sided." Attaches directly to nouns, especially body parts and paired objects, to indicate only one is involved.

Compounds

• 片手(かたて): one hand
• 片足(かたあし): one foot/leg
• 片目(かため): one eye
• 片耳(かたみみ): one ear
• 片方(かたほう): one side; one of a pair
• 片道(かたみち): one way (trip)
• 片思(かたおも)い: unrequited love
• 片付(かたづ)ける: to tidy up; to put away
• 片隅(かたすみ): a corner; an out-of-the-way spot

Similar words

• 半(はん): half — indicates an equal division into two (e.g., 半分(はんぶん)), while 片(かた) implies one of a natural pair
• 一方(いっぽう): one side — a standalone noun/adverb rather than a prefix; used more abstractly

Usage

When 片(かた) modifies a relationship or action, it often carries a sense of incompleteness or imbalance. 片思(かたおも)い (one-sided love) implies the feeling is not returned. 片付(かたづ)ける originally meant to put things to one side, hence "tidy up."