Translation guide
A brief narrative or description of an event or situation. This guide covers how to express 'short account' in Japanese, focusing on natural ways to give a concise report, summary, or story.
To give a concise factual report or summary of an event, situation, or news.
Means 'outline' or 'summary'. Commonly used in both spoken and written contexts for a brief overview.
事件の概要を説明してください。
Please give a short account of the incident.
Means 'summary' or 'digest'. Often used for summarizing longer texts or speeches.
会議の内容を要約してください。
Please give a short account of the meeting.
Literally 'simple explanation'. A natural phrase for a brief account or description.
何があったか、簡単な説明をお願いします。
Please give a short account of what happened.
Means 'outline' or 'rough sketch'. More formal and often used in written contexts.
計画の概略を述べます。
I will give a short account of the plan.
To tell a short personal story or anecdote, often in casual conversation.
Literally 'a little story'. Used to introduce a short, often personal anecdote.
ちょっとした話があるんだけど。
I have a short account to tell you.
Simply 'short story'. Can be used for any brief narrative.
彼の旅行について短い話を聞いた。
I heard a short account of his trip.
Loanword from English 'episode'. Commonly used for a short, interesting personal story.
To refer to a short written description, such as in a document, article, or book.
Literally 'short description'. Neutral and suitable for written contexts.
この本には、その事件の短い記述がある。
This book contains a short account of the incident.
Formal term meaning 'brief description' or 'outline'. Used in academic or official writing.
以下にその歴史を略述する。
A short account of its history is given below.
The English phrase 'short account' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it word-for-word as 短い口座 (みじかい こうざ) would mean 'short bank account' and is incorrect. Always choose a word based on the intended meaning: summary, story, or description.
Tell me a short account (an interesting story).