Translation guide
The English word "abstract" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: as an adjective meaning theoretical or not concrete, as a noun for a summary, and as a verb meaning to remove or summarize.
Describing ideas, concepts, or art that is not physical or realistic.
The standard adjective for 'abstract' in the sense of conceptual or not concrete. Used for ideas, discussions, and art.
His explanation was too abstract to understand.
Please illustrate abstract concepts with concrete examples.
Noun form meaning 'abstraction'. Often used in compounds like 抽象画 (abstract painting) or 抽象性 (abstractness).
This painting is a complete abstraction.
Loanword from English, used mainly in art contexts (abstract art) or as a noun for an academic abstract. Less common than 抽象的.
I'm interested in abstract art.
A short summary of a research paper, article, or talk.
Common word for 'abstract' or 'summary' of a paper or presentation. Used in academic and business contexts.
Please submit the abstract of your paper.
Please write the abstract of your presentation in 200 characters or less.
Means 'outline' or 'overview'. Slightly broader than 要旨, can be used for summaries of meetings, projects, etc.
Formal term for an abstract, especially of a scholarly article. Often used in library science or academic databases.
To take something out or separate it from something else.
Means 'to extract' or 'to abstract' in the sense of pulling out specific elements, data, or substances.
Abstract necessary information from the data.
This machine abstracts moisture from the air.
Means 'to pull out' or 'to extract'. More casual and physical than 抽出する, but can be used for abstracting key points.
General verb for 'take out'. Can be used for abstracting in a physical or metaphorical sense.
To make a summary of a longer text or speech.
抽象的 (chuushouteki) means 'abstract' as in conceptual or vague. It cannot be used to mean a summary of a paper. Use 要旨 (youshi) or 概要 (gaiyou) instead.
要旨 (youshi) is specifically a summary of the main points, often used for papers and presentations. 概要 (gaiyou) is a broader overview or outline, suitable for projects, events, or general descriptions.
プロジェクトの概要を説明します。
I will explain the abstract (overview) of the project.
このデータベースには抄録が含まれています。
This database includes abstracts.
要点を抜き出してメモした。
I abstracted the main points and took notes.
ファイルから画像を取り出す。
Abstract an image from the file.
会議の内容をまとめてください。
Please abstract the contents of the meeting.