1.
one (of a pair); single; one-sided
A prefix attached to nouns to indicate only one of a pair or set, or that something is incomplete or one-sided. Often implies an imbalance or that the counterpart is absent.
片手で荷物を持つ。
Hold the luggage with one hand.
片足で立つのは意外と難しい。
Standing on one foot is surprisingly difficult.
彼の話は片方の意見しか反映していないので、もう一方の側にも聞いてみよう。
His account only reflects one side's opinion, so let's hear from the other side too.
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.
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 片手: one hand
- 片足: one foot/leg
- 片目: one eye
- 片耳: one ear
- 片方: one side; one of a pair
- 片道: one way (trip)
- 片思い: unrequited love
- 片付ける: to tidy up; to put away
- 片隅: a corner; an out-of-the-way spot
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 半: half — indicates an equal division into two (e.g., 半分), while 片 implies one of a natural pair
- 一方: one side — a standalone noun/adverb rather than a prefix; used more abstractly
NUANCE:
When 片 modifies a relationship or action, it often carries a sense of incompleteness or imbalance. 片思い (one-sided love) implies the feeling is not returned. 片付ける originally meant to put things to one side, hence "tidy up."