This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

片言

Readings

Kana: かたこと、カタコト
Romaji: katakoto, katakoto
Kana
Romaji

Definition

1

prattle; broken language; halting language; baby talk; imperfect speech; smattering

See also: 片言 (reading へんげん, entry #1) ぺらぺら

Kanji

Readings: ヘン、 かた-、 かた
Meanings: one-sided, leaf, sheet, right-side kata radical (no. 91)
Readings: ゲン、 ゴン、 い.う、 こと
Meanings: say, word

Example Sentences

そのアメリカ(じん)(おとこ)()片言(かたこと)日本語(にほんご)(はな)した。
➥The American boy spoke broken Japanese.
Full Entry➤
(ぼく)片言(かたこと)英語(えいご)がなんとか(つう)じたのでほっとしました。
➥I was relieved that I could make my broken English understood.
Full Entry➤
Find More

片言

Reading

Kana: へんげん
Romaji: hengen
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

1

brief remark; few words

See also: 片言 (reading かたこと)
2

one side (e.g. of an argument); ex-parte statement

Kanji

Readings: ヘン、 かた-、 かた
Meanings: one-sided, leaf, sheet, right-side kata radical (no. 91)
Readings: ゲン、 ゴン、 い.う、 こと
Meanings: say, word

Example Sentences

そのアメリカ(じん)(おとこ)()片言(かたこと)日本語(にほんご)(はな)した。
➥The American boy spoke broken Japanese.
Full Entry➤
(ぼく)片言(かたこと)英語(えいご)がなんとか(つう)じたのでほっとしました。
➥I was relieved that I could make my broken English understood.
Full Entry➤
Find More