word
word — 動詞
1. to pick the best words to communicate a thought in speech or writing, adjusting
措辭；表達
選擇用字來表達想法
to pick the best words to communicate a thought in speech or writing, adjusting the phrasing to produce the desired effect on the listener or reader
The committee asked Yan to word the statement so that no one would feel blamed.
委員會請 Yan 撰寫聲明時仔細措辭，以免有人覺得被責怪。
word + direct object + purpose clause
Nadia worded her wedding invitation with great care to include both families equally.
Nadia 精心為她的婚禮邀請函措辭，好讓雙方家人都感到被顧及。
worded + noun phrase + prepositional phrase of manner
The apology letter was worded too formally, and it sounded insincere to the staff.
那封道歉信的措辭太過正式，聽起來對員工沒有誠意。
Rohan worded his resignation letter so well that his boss offered him a promotion instead.
Rohan 把辭職信寫得非常得體，結果老闆反而提議給他升職。
The survey questions were worded in a confusing way, which led to unreliable results.
問卷問題的措辭令人困惑，因此得到了不可靠的結果。
文法句型
word + noun phrase + adverb
be worded + adverb
word + noun phrase + prepositional phrase
用法筆記
Often used with adverbs describing the quality or effect of the phrasing (carefully, politely, badly, clearly, vaguely). Passive constructions are frequent because the focus is usually on the phrasing itself rather than who produced it.
常見錯誤
word — 名詞
1. a distinct unit of speech or writing that communicates a particular meaning, suc
單字
語言中最小的有意義單位
a distinct unit of speech or writing that communicates a particular meaning, such as 'garden' or 'slowly'
Ritu learned five new English words from the dictionary this morning.
Ritu 今天早上從字典學了五個新的英文單字。
collocation: learn a word / learn words
Write down every word the teacher says during the lesson.
把老師課堂上說的每一個字都寫下來。
The word 'library' has seven letters in it.
「library」這個單字有七個字母。
Nadia looked up the word 'courage' in her pocket dictionary before writing her essay.
Nadia 在寫作文前，查了 pocket 字典裡「courage」這個單字。
- term
more technical or formal, often used in specialized contexts like medicine or law
- lexical item
very technical, used mainly in linguistics, not everyday speech
用法筆記
This is the core sense of 'word' that learners encounter first. A word can be spoken aloud or written down, and different languages arrange words in different orders.
常見錯誤
2. a way of referring to a taboo or offensive word by saying only its first letter
字母代稱
用第一個字母代替髒話
a way of referring to a taboo or offensive word by saying only its first letter instead of the full form, as in 'the F-word' or 'the N-word'
Hannah told her friend she heard the F-word during the argument at the party.
Hannah 跟朋友說，她在派對的爭吵中聽到了那個 F 開頭的字。
pattern: the F-word / the S-word / the N-word
The TV show bleeped out the S-word while Brian was watching with his kids.
Brian 跟小孩一起看電視時，那個 S 開頭的字被消音了。
My grandmother is old-fashioned — she says 'the D-word' when she means 'divorce'.
我奶奶很保守——她說「那個 D 開頭的字」來表示「離婚」。
At the dinner table, Mira's little brother kept asking what the B-word means.
晚餐時，Mira 的弟弟一直問那個 B 開頭的字是什麼意思。
- euphemism
broader term covering any mild replacement for a harsh word, not just one starting with a letter
用法筆記
Only the first letter is spoken or written; the full taboo word is not uttered. Common letters: F, S, N, C, D. This pattern can also be extended humorously to non-taboo topics ('the E-word' for exercise).
常見錯誤
3. a short spoken remark or brief discussion about something, such as giving advice
簡短交談；話
簡短的口頭發言或討論
a short spoken remark or brief discussion about something, such as giving advice, saying thanks, or sharing an opinion
Paloma said a few words of thanks to the volunteers who helped her move house.
Paloma 想對幫忙搬家的志工說幾句感謝的話。
pattern: a few words of [thanks / advice / warning]
Before the test, the teacher said a word of encouragement that made the class smile.
考試前，老師對學生說了一句鼓勵的話，讓每個人都笑了。
pattern: a word of [encouragement / advice / warning]
Rania caught the teacher after class for a quick word about her exam grade.
Rania 下課後追上老師，想快點跟她談談考試成績的事。
During the meeting, Yumi gave a word of warning about the upcoming budget cuts.
會議上，Yumi 對即將到來的預算削減提出了一句警告。
文法句型
have a word with [someone]
a word of [something]
a few words
常見錯誤
4. spoken or written statements that are not matched by any real action or follow-t
空話；空談
沒有實際行動的言語承諾
spoken or written statements that are not matched by any real action or follow-through, often used critically
The committee's promises were just words — no one actually changed anything in the end.
委員會的承諾只是空話——到頭來沒有人做出任何改變。
collocation: just words
Jiwoo is tired of hearing empty words from leaders who never keep their campaign promises.
Jiwoo 已經聽膩了那些從不兌現競選承諾的領袖說的空話。
collocation: empty words
A good manager knows that actions speak louder than words when earning the team's trust.
好的主管明白，要贏得團隊的信任，行動勝於空談。
The mayor's speech was full of fine words, but the homeless shelter never got built.
市長演說中滿是漂亮話，但遊民收容所始終沒有蓋成。
- empty talk
similar meaning but slightly more informal, emphasises the lack of content
- hot air
informal, more dismissive tone, suggests boastfulness too
用法筆記
Frequently appears in the fixed phrases 'just words', 'empty words', and 'mere words'. The contrast is always between what is said and what is actually done.
常見錯誤
5. to have a brief, friendly conversation with someone, typically about everyday ma
交談；聊幾句
短暫友好的對話
to have a brief, friendly conversation with someone, typically about everyday matters
Anya exchanged a few words with the librarian before heading to her morning class.
Anya 在上課前和圖書館員聊了幾句。
pattern: exchange a few words with [someone]
Élise and Brian exchanged words about the weather while waiting for the school bus.
Élise 和 Brian 在等公車時聊了幾句天氣的事。
The two neighbours stopped on the street to exchange words about the new café nearby.
兩個鄰居在街上停了下來，聊起附近新開的那家咖啡店。
Nadia and the bus driver exchanged a few words about the traffic on the highway.
Nadia 和公車司機聊了幾句高速公路塞車的事。
- chat
more informal, can be longer than 'exchanging a few words'
- talk briefly
slightly more general, not tied to a fixed phrase
文法句型
exchange words + with + [someone]
exchange a few words + with + [someone]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 6: 'exchange words' in this sense is always friendly or neutral. If the exchange is angry or involves a quarrel, sense 6 applies. Adding 'a few' helps signal the friendly reading: 'exchange a few words' is almost always sense 5.
常見錯誤
6. to argue or quarrel angrily with someone, often over a disagreement or wrongdoin
爭吵；口角
因意見不合而怒言相向
to argue or quarrel angrily with someone, often over a disagreement or wrongdoing
Tendai and his neighbour had words over the loud construction work at dawn.
Tendai 跟鄰居因為清晨六點的施工噪音吵了起來。
pattern: have words over [something]
The two players exchanged angry words after the referee made a controversial call.
比賽最後一分鐘，裁判做出爭議判決後，兩名球員怒言相向。
pattern: exchange [adjective] words
Ritu's parents had words with the school principal about unfair treatment of students at lunch.
Ritu 的父母為了學生午餐時間遭受不公平對待，和校長據理力爭。
Two committee members exchanged sharp words over who should take the blame for the delay.
兩位委員會成員為了誰該為延誤負責而發生激烈口角。
- reconciliation
the opposite outcome — making peace after a quarrel
文法句型
have words + with + [someone]
exchange words + with + [someone]
exchange harsh / angry / sharp words
用法筆記
The phrase 'have words' always signals an argument, never a friendly chat. 'Exchange words' can be either friendly (sense 5) or angry (sense 6) — look at context and adjectives ('angry words', 'harsh words') to determine which sense applies.
常見錯誤
7. a brief, serious talk in which you point out to someone that their behaviour was
告誡
因做錯事而被嚴肅談話
a brief, serious talk in which you point out to someone that their behaviour was unacceptable or that they made an error
After the boy talked back, the principal asked for a word with him.
那個男孩對老師頂嘴後，校長說想跟他談一談。
have a word with [person] — brief disciplinary talk
Shirin was in trouble when her manager called her in for a quiet word.
Shirin 的主管把她叫進辦公室私下告誡時，她就知道自己麻煩了。
quiet word — euphemism for a reprimand
Tara's dad asked for a word with her after she came home past curfew.
Tara 超過門禁時間才回家，她爸爸說要找她談話。
Erik's mother had a word with him about his rude behaviour at the dinner table.
Erik 的母親因為他在餐桌上的無禮行為而告誡了他。
The manager had a quiet word with Quinn about arriving late to work every day.
經理私下跟 Quinn 說了他這週每天早上都遲到的事。
文法句型
have a word with [person]
8. a single spoken sound or group of sounds that carries meaning, especially used w
話語
口中說出的聲音或表達
a single spoken sound or group of sounds that carries meaning, especially used when talking about someone learning to speak or choosing not to speak
The baby said her first word at eleven months old, and her parents were thrilled.
那嬰兒在十一個月大時說了第一個字，她的父母非常高興。
first word — baby's initial spoken word
Élise was so upset that she could not get a word out for several minutes.
Élise 太難過了，好幾分鐘都說不出一個字。
not get a word out — unable to speak due to emotion
Asher did not utter a single word during the meeting, even when asked directly.
Asher 在整場會議中一個字也沒說，即使被直接提問也不開口。
The old man's last word before he passed away was a whisper of gratitude.
那位老先生臨終前說的最後一句話，是充滿感激的輕聲細語。
- utterance
more formal, often used in academic or linguistic contexts
用法筆記
Commonly used in negative constructions ('not a word', 'without a word') or with possessive adjectives ('my first word', 'his last word').
9. a spoken statement of praise or support made to help someone get a job, an oppor
美言
為幫助他人而說的讚賞之詞
a spoken statement of praise or support made to help someone get a job, an opportunity, or acceptance into a group
Marco's old manager put in a good word when he applied for the new job.
Marco 的前主管在他應徵新工作時幫他說了好話。
put in a good word for [person] — recommend someone
João got the internship because a professor put in a word for him.
João 因為一位教授替他美言了幾句，才得到了那份實習機會。
If you know the director, could you put in a good word for my application?
如果你認識那位主管，能不能幫我的申請案說句好話？
Imani's teacher put in a word for her with the scholarship committee.
Imani 的老師向獎學金委員會替她說了幾句好話。
- recommendation
more formal and usually written rather than spoken
- reference
a formal written statement of support, not just a spoken one
文法句型
put in a good word for [person]
10. news or information passed from one person or place to another, especially when
消息
傳來的資訊或通知
news or information passed from one person or place to another, especially when the details are not yet fully known
Word came that the hospital had found a suitable donor for the operation.
消息傳來，說醫院已為那場手術找到了合適的捐贈者。
word came that… — news arrived
Rin sent word to her family that she had arrived safely in Taipei.
Rin 傳消息給家人，說她已經安全抵達臺北。
send word — send a message
We received word that the flight was cancelled due to the storm.
我們接到消息，說航班因為風暴取消了。
No word has come from the rescue team since they entered the cave.
救援隊自今早進入洞穴後就沒有任何消息傳來。
文法句型
word came that…
send word
receive word
用法筆記
Always used without an article ('word came', not 'a word came'), and cannot be pluralised in this sense.
常見錯誤
11. a firm promise or assurance about something you commit to doing, often used in f
承諾
保證會做到的諾言
a firm promise or assurance about something you commit to doing, often used in fixed phrases like 'give your word' or 'keep your word'
I gave Dewi my word that I would help her move into her new apartment.
我向 Dewi 保證過我會幫她搬進新公寓。
give [someone] your word — make a promise
Justin kept his word and returned the money on Friday, just as promised.
Justin 遵守了承諾，在星期五把錢還了。
keep your word — do what you promised
I will not break my word — you can count on me to be there.
我不會失信於你——你可以相信我一定會到場。
My grandmother was a woman of her word, so everyone trusted her.
我祖母是個言出必行的人，所以每個人都信任她。
文法句型
give [possessive] word
keep [possessive] word
break [possessive] word
用法筆記
Always used with a possessive adjective ('my word', 'his word') when referring to a specific promise. Cannot be modified by adjectives or used in the plural.
常見錯誤
12. an order or command, typically given verbally by someone in a position of author
命令
權威人士發出的指令
an order or command, typically given verbally by someone in a position of authority, telling others when to start or stop an action
The general gave the word for the soldiers to begin their advance at dawn.
將軍下令，要士兵們在黎明時開始推進。
give the word — give an order to begin
Everyone stood at the line, waiting for the coach to give the word to go.
每個人都站在線旁，等待教練下令出發。
Nora was packed and ready to leave the moment her supervisor gave the word.
Nora 已經打包好，主管一下令她就準備出發。
The referee gave the word and the boxers stepped forward to begin the match.
裁判一聲令下，拳擊手們便上前開始比賽。
文法句型
give the word
word of command
用法筆記
Always used with the definite article ('give the word'), never 'a word' or 'words', in this sense.
常見錯誤
word — 感嘆詞
1. a slang exclamation used in Black American speech and hip-hop contexts to show y
真的；沒錯
強烈同意對方所說的話
a slang exclamation used in Black American speech and hip-hop contexts to show you fully agree with what was just said
Omar said, "That beat is fire!" and Jabari replied, "Word!"
Omar 說：「那節奏太炸了！」Jabari 回了一句：「真的！」
interjection showing strong agreement
Mei told everyone the exam was cancelled, and Minh nodded and said, "Word."
Mei 跟大家說考試取消了，Minh 點點頭說了一聲：「沒錯。」
Asher said practice was over early, and Ignacio grinned and said, "Word!"
Asher 說練習提早結束，Ignacio 咧嘴笑了起來，說：「沒錯！」
Beatriz said the party was going to be epic, and Ayana grinned and said, "Word!"
Beatriz 說這場派對一定會超讚，Ayana 笑著說：「真的！」
用法筆記
Typically said with emphasis and accompanied by a nod. Only used in very casual conversation among friends.
常見錯誤
2. a slang exclamation used in Black American speech and hip-hop contexts to react
真假？
驚訝地詢問對方說的是否屬實
a slang exclamation used in Black American speech and hip-hop contexts to react with surprise to something just said and ask whether it is really true
Christopher said he had never eaten sushi, and Noa looked at him and asked, "Word?"
Christopher 說他從來沒吃過壽司，Noa 看著他問：「真假？」
rising intonation signals a question
Ignacio claimed he could run a mile in four minutes. Asher raised an eyebrow. "Word?"
Ignacio 號稱自己四分鐘能跑一英里，Asher 挑起眉毛說：「真假？」
Bilal said he saw a shooting star, and Bao looked up and said, "Word?"
Bilal 說他看到流星，Bao 抬起頭來問道：「真假？」
Aoi mentioned the store was giving away free food, and Wren asked, "Word?"
Aoi 提到那家店在免費送食物，Wren 問了一句：「真假？」
- for real?
same discourse function and register
- seriously?
more widely used across different social groups
- you kidding?
slightly more confrontational tone
用法筆記
Spoken with rising intonation to show surprise. The speaker expects the other person to confirm or explain what was just said.