Translation guide
The English word 'abridgement' refers to a shortened version of a text, film, or other work. In Japanese, the most natural equivalents depend on whether you are talking about the act of shortening, the resulting shortened work, or a summary. This guide covers common words and phrases for these situations.
Referring to a published or produced work that has been made shorter while keeping the main content.
Specifically refers to an abridged translation or a condensed version of a text, often used for literary works.
この抄訳は原作のエッセンスをよく捉えている。
This abridgement captures the essence of the original work well.
Commonly used for a digest or condensed version, especially of books, articles, or films. 'ダイジェスト' alone can also be used.
この小説のダイジェスト版を読んだ。
I read an abridged version of this novel.
A summarized or condensed edition, emphasizing that it contains the main points.
報告書の要約版は3ページだけだ。
The abridged version of the report is only three pages.
A contracted or abridged edition, sometimes used in publishing contexts. Less common than ダイジェスト版.
この辞書の縮約版は持ち運びに便利だ。
The abridged edition of this dictionary is portable.
Referring to the process or action of shortening a text, speech, etc.
The act of summarizing or condensing; can also refer to the summary itself.
彼は長い報告書の要約を任された。
He was tasked with the abridgement of the long report.
General term for shortening or reduction, used for time, length, etc. Can apply to texts but is broader.
Extracting or excerpting; making an abridgement by selecting parts. More literary or technical.
A brief statement of the main points, not necessarily a published version.
Main point or gist; often used for summaries of arguments or articles.
論文の要旨を200語で書いてください。
Please write an abridgement of the thesis in 200 words.
Outline or synopsis, especially for stories, movies, etc. More narrative-focused.
Abstract or summary, often used in academic or technical contexts.
要約 (ようやく) is a general summary, often focusing on condensing content. 抄訳 (しょうやく) specifically refers to an abridged translation, implying the original was in another language. ダイジェスト is a loanword used for digest versions of books, articles, or broadcasts, and is very common in everyday language.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'abridgement'. Using 短縮 (たんしゅく) for a book version may sound unnatural; instead, use ダイジェスト版 or 抄訳 depending on context.
講演の時間を短縮する必要がある。
We need to abridge the lecture time.
Abridgements from classical texts are a feature of this book.
映画のあらすじを教えてください。
Please give me an abridgement of the movie plot.
An abridgement of each chapter is at the end of the book.