Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Short" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "short", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
短い
みじかい (mijikai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
要するに
ようするに (yousuruni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "short" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 短い and 要するに.
In Japanese, 短い (みじかい (mijikai)) is typically associated with "short" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 長さや期間などが「短い」ことを表す形容詞。「長い.
On the other hand, 要するに (ようするに (yousuruni)) maps to "in short, in a word, to sum up, in conclusion" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to summarize or state the main point after a lengthy explanation. It signals that a conclusion or essential point is coming.. A literal translation of "short" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "短い"
彼の髪はとても短いです。
His hair is very short.
Bilingual Context for "要するに"
色々説明しましたが、要するに、彼は会社を辞めたいのです。
I've explained a lot, but in short, he wants to quit the company.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の髪はとても ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "His hair is very short.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "短い" fits here because it means "short" in the context of: "His hair is very short.". "要するに" represents "in short, in a word, to sum up, in conclusion".