Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Short" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "short", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
要するに
ようするに (yousuruni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
しばし
しばし (shibashi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "short" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 要するに and しばし.
In Japanese, 要するに (ようするに (yousuruni)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, しばし (しばし (shibashi)) maps to "for a short while, for a moment, for some time (literary/archaic)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A somewhat literary or formal term meaning 'for a short time.' Less common in everyday conversation than 'しばらく'.. A literal translation of "short" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "しばし"
しばし休憩して、また仕事を始めましょう。
Let's rest for a moment and then start working again.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "色々説明しましたが、 ＿＿＿ 、彼は会社を辞めたいのです。" (Meaning: "I've explained a lot, but in short, he wants to quit the company.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "要するに" fits here because it means "in short, in a word, to sum up, in conclusion" in the context of: "I've explained a lot, but in short, he wants to quit the company.". "しばし" represents "for a short while, for a moment, for some time (literary/archaic)".