Translation guide
This guide covers how to express 'concise' in Japanese, focusing on brevity and clarity in speech and writing.
Describing speech, writing, or explanations that are short and clear, without unnecessary details.
The most common and neutral word for 'concise'. Used for both spoken and written language.
Asking someone to be brief or to summarize.
Polite request to speak concisely.
時間がないので、簡潔に言ってください。
We don't have much time, so please be concise.
Describing a writing style that is terse or compact.
簡潔 (かんけつ) is a general term for 'concise' and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. 手短 (てみじか) specifically emphasizes brevity in time or length, and is often used in requests like '手短に話してください' (Please be brief). 簡潔 is more about clarity and lack of redundancy, while 手短 is about keeping it short.
While 簡潔 is the closest equivalent, it may sound too formal in casual conversation. For everyday situations, phrases like 手短に or simply 短く (みじかく) might be more natural.
簡潔な要約をお願いします。
Please give a concise summary.
彼女の答えは簡潔で正確だった。
Her answer was concise and accurate.
彼の説明は簡潔でわかりやすい。
His explanation is concise and easy to understand.
簡潔に言うと、計画は中止です。
To put it concisely, the plan is canceled.
Emphasizes brevity, often used for spoken instructions or requests. Slightly more casual than 簡潔.
手短に話してください。
Please be brief.
A literary or formal phrase meaning 'concise and to the point'. Not used in everyday conversation.
彼のスピーチは簡にして要を得たものだった。
His speech was concise and to the point.
A common, polite way to ask for brevity, especially in meetings or presentations.
質問は手短にお願いします。
Please keep your questions brief.
Means 'simple and clear', often used for writing or explanations that are easy to follow.
このマニュアルは簡明で役に立つ。
This manual is concise and helpful.
Means 'simple' or 'plain', sometimes used for concise writing that avoids ornamentation. Can also refer to lifestyle or design.
彼の文体は簡素で無駄がない。
His writing style is concise and without waste.