Japanese meaning of 一言居士
Reading:
いちげんこじ (ichigen koji)
English Translation:
Person who always has something to say; opinionated person
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A person who always has a remark—often insightful but sometimes nitpicky—whenever a topic arises.
Cultural Context:
Seen in media commentary and meetings; tone can be admiring (“keen observer”) or critical (“pedant”).
ことあるごとに必ず一言意見を述べる人。博識さと同時に小うるささの含意も。
論評・会議で頻出。称賛（慧眼）にも皮肉（衒学的）にも転ぶ、ニュアンス可変の語。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “として” or “で知られる” to describe a person who always voices their opinion (“一言居士として有名な評論家”).
• Can carry either respect or criticism depending on context.
Trap for English Speakers
May be mistaken as “someone who says only one word,” but it refers to a *habitual commentator*.
Example
Basic Example
彼は何かと意見を言う一言居士だ。
He’s someone who always has something to say.
Applied Example
「それは違うと思うな。」いつもの一言居士が口を開いた。
I think that’s wrong, the habitual commentator spoke up as always.