Translation and Meaning of: 概略 - gairyaku

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in the language, you may have come across the word 概略[がいりゃく]. It may seem complex at first glance, but its meaning is quite useful in everyday life. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in Japanese daily life, and some tips for memorizing it. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and relevant information for those who want to truly learn Japanese.

It means "summary" or "outline."

The word 概略[がいりゃく] is used to express the idea of a "summary" or "overview" about something. It often appears in formal contexts, such as reports, presentations, and academic discussions, where it is necessary to synthesize information. If you have ever read a scientific article in Japanese, you probably encountered this word in the introduction or conclusion section.

Unlike other similar words, such as 要約[ようやく], which also means "summary," 概略 has a more technical and comprehensive tone. While 要約 can be used to summarize a book or movie, 概略 is often employed when it comes to explaining something concisely, but without losing the essence of the subject.

Origin and composition of 概略

The word 概略 is formed by two kanjis: 概 (がい), which conveys the sense of "general" or "approximate," and 略 (りゃく), meaning "abbreviation" or "simplification." Together, they convey the idea of a summarized explanation that still retains the main points. This combination is common in technical and academic , emphasizing its use in more formal contexts.

It is worth noting that the kanji 略 also appears in other important words, such as 省略[しょうりゃく] (omission) and 略語[りゃくご] (abbreviation). If you are already familiar with these , it becomes easier to associate the meaning of 概略 with the concept of synthesis or simplification.

How to use 概略 in everyday life?

Although it is more common in formal texts, 概略 can also appear in everyday conversations, especially when someone asks for a quick explanation about a subject. For example, if a coworker asks "Can you give me a 概略 of the project?", they are requesting an overview, without many details. This word is useful in situations where time is short, but clarity is essential.

Another interesting use is in business meetings, where presentations often start with a 概略 of the topics that will be discussed. If you work or study in an environment that requires objective communication, knowing this word can be a differentiator in your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 概要 (Gairyaku) - Overview or summary of a subject.
• 要約 (Yōyaku) - Summary or condensed overview, emphasizing the main points.
• 概観 (Gaikan) - Overview or panorama of something, focusing on the overall appearance.
• 概説 (Gaisetsu) - General explanation or explanatory summary covering the main aspects.