Translation guide
The concept of shortening a word or phrase. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 略語 (ryakugo) or the verb 略す (ryakusu). Note that Japanese abbreviations often follow different patterns than English ones.
Referring to a shortened form of a word or phrase.
The standard noun for 'abbreviation'. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
The action of making a word or phrase shorter.
The most common verb meaning 'to abbreviate'. Transitive.
Describing something as being a shortened form.
Past tense of 略す used as an adjective. Means 'abbreviated'.
略した名前で呼んでください。
Please call me by my abbreviated name.
Japanese often abbreviates by taking the first two morae of each word (e.g., ポケモン from ポケットモンスター) or by combining kanji readings (e.g., 東大 from 東京大学). English loanwords are frequently shortened (e.g., パソコン from パーソナルコンピューター).
Avoid directly translating English abbreviations into Japanese. For example, 'ASAP' is not used in Japanese; instead, use できるだけ早く (as soon as possible).
「アプリケーション」の略語は何ですか？
What is the abbreviation for 'application'?
「テレビジョン」を「テレビ」と略すことがよくあります。
We often abbreviate 'television' to 'TV'.
「スマホ」は「スマートフォン」の略語です。
'Sumaho' is an abbreviation of 'smartphone'.
A shorter, more casual noun for 'abbreviation'. Often used in compounds or informal writing.
「パソコン」は「パーソナルコンピューター」の略です。
'Pasokon' is short for 'personal computer'.
Literally 'omitted form'. More formal and often used in linguistic or technical contexts.
この単語の省略形を教えてください。
Please tell me the abbreviated form of this word.
長い名前を略して呼ぶことがあります。
We sometimes abbreviate long names.
Means 'to omit' or 'to abbreviate'. More formal and can imply leaving out parts.
この文では主語が省略されています。
The subject is omitted in this sentence.
Means 'to shorten' or 'to condense'. Used for abbreviating words, but also for shortening time or distance.
その言葉はよく短縮されます。
That word is often shortened.
Passive form of 省略する, used as an adjective. More formal.
省略された形が一般的です。
The abbreviated form is common.