Translation guide
An abridgment is a shortened version of a text, speech, or other content. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is with 要約 (summary/digest), but there are also terms for more drastic cuts or adaptations.
A condensed version that captures the main points, often used for articles, books, or presentations.
The most common and versatile word for a summary or abridgment. It can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (要約する).
I read an abridgment of this book.
Please summarize the meeting.
A loanword from English, often used for abridged versions of media like movies, books, or news. It implies a digest or highlights.
I watched a news digest.
A formal term for an abstract or summary, often used in academic or technical contexts.
I submitted an abstract of my paper.
A version that has been cut down in length, often for easier consumption or adaptation.
Literally 'abridged edition', used for books or texts that have been shortened while preserving the core content.
I read an abridged version of this novel.
A shortened version, often used for films, audio, or other media. It can imply a time reduction.
An excerpt or abridged text, often used for classical or legal works. It can also mean an extract.
The process or action of making something shorter, often used in formal or technical contexts.
Omission or abbreviation; often used when parts are left out. Can be used as a suru-verb (省略する).
This text has been abridged.
Shortening or reduction, often used for time, length, or words. As a suru-verb: 短縮する.
Reduction or cutback, often used for budgets or content. It implies cutting down to a smaller size.
要約 is a summary that condenses content into main points, often in your own words. 縮約版 is an abridged edition that keeps the original structure but removes parts. Use 要約 for a digest and 縮約版 for a shortened version of a specific work.
The English word 'abridgment' can sound formal or legal. In everyday Japanese, it's more natural to use 要約 or 短縮版 depending on context. Direct translations like アブリッジメント are not used.
An abridged version of the movie was broadcast on TV.
古い法律の抄本を研究している。
I am studying an abridgment of old laws.
I will omit the details.
会議の時間を短縮した。
We shortened the meeting time.
予算の削減により、プロジェクトが縮小された。
Due to budget cuts, the project was scaled down.