Japanese word

略語

Pronunciation

Romajiryakugo

Meaning

  • nounabbreviation

Example

これは略語です。ko re wa ryaku go de su

This is an abbreviation.

Illustration for 略語 (abbreviation)

More examples

専門用語の略語は、最初に正式な名称を示すと親切です。sen mon yō go no ryaku go wa sai sho ni sei shiki na mei shō o shime su to shin setsu de su

When using an abbreviation for a technical term, it is helpful to give the full name first.

Core concept

Presents a compact form of a longer word or expression by leaving out part of it.

Common phrases

  • 略語の正式名称ryaku go no sei shiki mei shō

    full name of an abbreviation

  • 略語を覚えるryaku go o obo e ru

    learn an abbreviation

  • 略語で表すryaku go de arawa su

    represent with an abbreviation

Similar words

短縮形tanshukukei: A shorter version of a word or expression created by removing part of its sounds or letters.
略称ryakushō: A shortened name used in place of a full name.
頭字語tōjigo: A word formed from the initial letters of a longer name or phrase.

Definition in Japanese

本来の語句や名称の一部を省いて短くした形。hon rai no go ku ya mei shō no ichi bu o habu i te mijika ku shi ta katachi

Word origin

略語 (ryakugo) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 略 (ryaku, "to shorten") and 語 (go, "word").

Usage tips

  • English uses abbreviation as the broader term, while acronym commonly refers to a shortened form made from initial letters and spoken as a word.

Other meanings

  • acronymnoun

Word lists with this word