How to say "synopsis" in Japanese

• 筋書きすじがきCommon
  nounCovers synopsis in the narrative sense: the sequence of events in a novel, play, or film. Since it also means 'plot', it is the natural choice when the synopsis summarizes a story.
  筋書すじがきは別べつとして、その本ほんは私をひきつけた。↗

  Apart from the plot, the book interested me.
• 解題かいだいCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbAn explanatory account or review of a text's subject, akin to an annotation. It is seldom the word you want for an ordinary synopsis; it is really an explanatory note on a work.
• 概要がいようCommon
  nounThe general-purpose word for a concise summary or overview of a document, report, plan, or project. When 'synopsis' means simply a brief account of the contents, this is the default choice.
  ここまでで、この時期じきの政治せいじ不安ふあん増大ぞうだいに関かんする概要がいようを述のべてきた。↗

  Up to this point I have presented an overview of the growth of political unrest in the period.
• 素描そびょうCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbLiterally a sketch or rough drawing; figuratively a rough, sketchy outline or thumbnail account. As 'synopsis' it is marginal: choose it only when you want that sketch-like image, otherwise 概要 fits better.

Use 「筋書き」 for the synopsis of a story's plot, 概要 for a general summary or overview of a document or plan, 解題 for an explanatory review of a text, and 素描 only for a deliberately sketchy outline.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 筋書きすじがきsynopsis
• 解題かいだいsynopsis
• 概要がいようoutline
• 大意たいいsynopsis
• シノプシスsynopsis
• 略筆りゃくひつoutline
• 素描そびょうoutline