Japanese Conversation · Level 30
90 words
Japanese word
略
Pronunciation
Romajiryaku
Meaning
- nounabbreviation
Example
これは何の略ですか？ko re wa nan no ryaku de su ka
What is this an abbreviation for?
More examples
この資料では、長い名称を略で示します。ko no shi ryō de wa naga i mei shō o ryaku de shime shi ma su
In this document, long names are shown in abbreviated form.
Core concept
It presents a shorter form created when part of the original is left out and the remaining form still identifies it.
Common phrases
略で書くryaku de ka ku
write in abbreviated form
略を使うryaku o tsuka u
use an abbreviation
以下、略i ka ryaku
the rest omitted
Similar words
略称ryakushō: A shortened name used to identify the same person, place, organization, or thing.
略語ryakugo: A shortened form of a word or phrase used in place of the full expression.
省略shōryaku: The act of leaving out part of a word, phrase, or sentence.
Definition in Japanese
元の語句から一部を取り去って短くした形や、その省略。moto no go ku ka ra ichi bu o to ri sa tte mijika ku shi ta katachi ya so no shō ryaku
Word origin
The Japanese noun 略 (ryaku, "abbreviation; omission") derives from Chinese 略 (lüè, "to omit; outline"). Its meaning connects the omission of parts with a shorter expression.
Usage tips
- When a name is shortened in conversation, 略 (ryaku) describes the reduced form as long as listeners can recognize the original from the context.