一語一語
ichigo ichigo
The Japanese phrase for "every word" is 一語一語 (ichigo ichigo).
一語一語 is used to emphasize attention to detail, such as listening to or writing down every single word in a speech or text. It is often translated as "every word" or "word by word."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the kanji for "one" (一) and "word" (語) repeated twice, literally meaning "one word, one word."
How do you pronounce it?
ichigo ichigo
Did you know?
- While 一語一語 emphasizes the detail of words, Japanese has a similar rhythmic repetition called 一歩一歩 'ippo ippo' to describe taking life one step at a time.
- Japanese speakers may use 一語一語 when describing the process of translating poetry, where the weight of a single word can change the entire emotional tone of a poem.
- The repetition in 一語一語 mirrors a linguistic pattern called reduplication, which in Japanese is often used to emphasize that an action is being performed with great care.
Examples in context
- 一語一語、大切に読んでください。ichigo ichigo, taisetsu ni yonde kudasai.Please read every word carefully.
- 先生は一語一語、丁寧に説明しました。sensei wa ichigo ichigo, teinei ni setsumei shimashita.The teacher explained every single word politely.
Example conversation
Ren is teaching Himari how to practice her Japanese pronunciation.
- 陽葵 Himariこれ、全部完璧に言えるかな？kore, zenbu kanpeki ni ieru kana?Can I say all of this perfectly?
- 蓮 Ren一語一語、ゆっくり練習しようね。ichigo ichigo, yukkuri renshuu shiyou ne.Let's practice every word slowly.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さん、ありがとう。頑張るよ！ren-san, arigatou. ganbaru yo!Ren, thank you. I'll do my best!
- 蓮 Ren陽葵さんなら、きっとできるよ。himari-san nara, kitto dekiru yo.I'm sure you can do it, Himari.
