Japanese word

要領

Pronunciation

Romajiyōryō

Meaning

  • noungist

Example

話の要領をつかみました。hanashi no yō ryō o tsu ka mi ma shi ta

I got the gist of what was said.

Illustration for 要領 (gist)

More examples

先生の説明は要領を得ていて、分かりやすかったです。sen sei no setsu mei wa yō ryō o e te i te wa ka ri ya su ka tta de su

The teacher's explanation was clear and easy to understand.

Core concept

Points to the core of a matter or the effective method that makes an activity go smoothly.

Common phrases

  • 要領を得るyō ryō o u ru

    get the gist

  • 要領を得ないyō ryō o e na i

    miss the point

  • 要領がいいyō ryō ga i i

    be efficient

Similar words

要点yōten: The central content that needs attention in a matter or discussion.
要旨yōshi: A compact statement expressing the essential content of a speech, document, or plan.
概要gaiyō: A brief description of the general content and arrangement of a matter.

Definition in Japanese

物事の大事な点や、それを手際よく進めるための方法。mono goto no dai ji na ten ya so re o te giwa yo ku susu me ru ta me no hō hō

Word origin

要領 (yōryō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 要 (yō, "essential") and 領 (ryō, "main part"), meaning the essential core of a matter.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 要領がいい (yōryō ga ii) often refers to a person who learns and works efficiently rather than merely someone who understands a gist.

Other meanings

  • knacknoun

Word lists with this word