1 character is usually known as 字
it is also a 词语 if it holds its own meaning
2 or more characters combine for a new meaning = 词 or 词语
basically, it means "terms", "words".....
nouns are just things, objects, like
人，水，书，飞机，手机，洗衣机，数码相机...........
can consist of a few characters.......
词语 can also be verbs (动词), adjectives (形容词)........