How to say "brief" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 簡潔かんけつna-adjectiveCovers 'brief' in the sense of concise, succinct style of speech or writing. Choose it when the emphasis is on saying things clearly without unnecessary words, such as in reports, explanations, or answers.
- 簡略かんりゃくna-adjective, nounRefers to brevity as simplification, where something is made shorter or less elaborate. It suits contexts like simplified procedures, forms, or processes, rather than the conciseness of language itself.
- 簡単かんたんna-adjective, nounA marginal match for 'brief'. Its core meaning is easy, simple, or light, so it is seldom the word you want for brevity of expression or duration; use it only where 'brief' means quick and undemanding, as in a light task.
- 短いみじかいi-adjectiveDescribes brevity of length or duration: a short speech, visit, meeting, or pause. It does not carry the nuance of conciseness or simplification, only that something does not last long or is short in extent.
Use 簡潔 for concise expression, 簡略 for simplified or abbreviated procedure, 「短い」 for physically or temporally short things like speeches or visits, and treat 簡単 as meaning easy or simple rather than brief.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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