言 — Say, Word, Speech

Meaning

The kanji 言 (gen, gon, i.u, koto) means 'speech,' 'word,' or 'to say.' It's a pictographic character, showing a mouth (口) with either a tongue or a sound wave coming out. This visually illustrates the act of speaking or producing sound for communication. The top part, a horizontal line with two dots, can be seen as sound waves or vapor from the mouth, highlighting its connection to spoken language. Ancient forms clearly depict a tongue inside a mouth, making its etymology quite straightforward.

Knowing its origin helps us grasp its many meanings. From a simple 'remark' to a formal 'statement' or the broader concept of 'language,' all stem from this core idea of verbal expression. 言 is a fundamental component of many Japanese words related to communication. With 7 strokes, it's taught in Grade 2 of Japanese elementary school, making it a core kanji for N5 JLPT learners.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

On'yomi readings come from Chinese pronunciations. You'll typically use them when 言 is part of a compound word, often with other kanji.

ゲン (gen): This is a very common on'yomi for 言, frequently appearing in words about language, statements, or word origins.
言語げんご (gengo) — language
宣言せんげん (sengen) — declaration, proclamation
言論げんろん (genron) — discussion, debate, speech

- **ゴン (gon)**: This is the other main on'yomi. It often appears in compounds related to messages, proverbs, or direct utterances.

伝言でんごん (dengon) — message, word (e.g., to be passed on)
無言むごん (mugon) — silence, wordless
一言いちごん (ichigon) — a word, a brief statement

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations. They're often used when 言 appears alone or with okurigana (accompanying hiragana characters).

い.う (i.u): This is the most common kun'yomi, forming the verb 'to say' or 'to speak.'
言ういう (iu) — to say, to speak
言われるいわれる (iwareru) — to be told, to be said (passive form)
言いつけるいいつける (iitsukeru) — to tell (on someone), to order

- **こと (koto)**: This reading is found in words like 'word' or 'language.' It often appears in nouns where 言 expresses the core meaning of communication.

言葉ことば (kotoba) — word, language, speech
言付けことづけ (kototsuke) — message, verbal message
言の葉ことのは (kotonoha) — words (literary), expressions

Common Words & Compounds

Communication & Language

言葉ことば (kotoba) — word, language, speech
言語げんご (gengo) — language
言論げんろん — discussion, debate
方言ほうげん (hougen) — dialect
言動げんどう (gendou) — speech and conduct

Statements & Expressions

宣言せんげん (sengen) — declaration, proclamation
名言めいげん (meigen) — famous saying, aphorism
言訳いいわけ (iiwake) — excuse, explanation
発言はつげん (hatsugen) — statement, remark
予言よげん (yogen) — prediction, prophecy

Messages & Information

伝言でんごん (dengon) — message
言付けことづけ (kototsuke) — verbal message
言伝えことづたえ (kotozutae) — tradition, legend

Silence & Absence of Speech

無言むごん (mugon) — silence, wordless

Example Sentences

先生せんせいは「静しずかにしなさい」と言いいました。

Sensei wa “shizuka ni shinasai” to iimashita.

The teacher said, “Be quiet.”

日本にほんの言葉ことばはとても美うつくしいです。

Nihon no kotoba wa totemo utsukushii desu.

The Japanese language is very beautiful.

彼かれの言動げんどうには矛盾むじゅんがある。

Kare no gendou ni wa mujun ga aru.

There are contradictions in his words and actions.

大切たいせつなことは、言いわなくても分わかることがあります。

Taisetsu na koto wa, iwanakutemo wakaru koto ga arimasu.

Important things can sometimes be understood without being said.

彼女かのじょからの伝言でんごんがあります。

Kanojo kara no dengon ga arimasu.

There is a message from her.

私わたしは彼かれに思おもっていることをすべて言いいました。

Watashi wa kare ni omotteiru koto o subete iimashita.

I told him everything I was thinking.

心こころからの言葉ことばは、人ひとの心こころに響ひびきます。

Kokoro kara no kotoba wa, hito no kokoro ni hibikimasu.

Words from the heart resonate with people's hearts.

新あたらしい言語げんごを学まなぶのは楽たのしいです。

Atarashii gengo o manabu no wa tanoshii desu.

Learning a new language is fun.

歴史れきしにはたくさんの名言めいげんが残のこされています。

Rekishi ni wa takusan no meigen ga nokosarete imasu.

Many famous sayings have been left throughout history.

彼かれは何なにも言いわずに部屋へやを出でていきました。

Kare wa nani mo iwazu ni heya o dete ikimashita.

He left the room without saying anything.

Related Kanji

Memory Tip

Picture a mouth (口) with a wagging tongue sticking out, making sounds or forming words. The two horizontal lines and the small dot at the top can look like 'sound waves' or 'breath' escaping as you speak. The character 言 itself resembles a person's head with a wide open mouth and a tongue, which helps recall its core meaning of 'speech' or 'to say.' Consider it a vivid image of vocal communication—a mouth in the act of speaking.