Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Summarize" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "summarize", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
取り纏める
とりまとめる (tori-matomeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
掻い摘む
かいつまむ (kaitsumamu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "summarize" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 取り纏める and 掻い摘む.
In Japanese, 取り纏める (とりまとめる (tori-matomeru)) is typically associated with "to summarize, to collect and put in order, to settle (an affair), to compile" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To gather scattered information, opinions, or items and organize them into a cohesive whole, often for the purpose of presentation, reporting, or making a decision. Can also mean to settle an affair or negotiation..
On the other hand, 掻い摘む (かいつまむ (kaitsumamu)) maps to "to summarize, to pick out the essentials" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when explaining or telling something briefly, getting straight to the point. Often implies selecting only the most important parts.. A literal translation of "summarize" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "取り纏める"
会議の意見を取り纏めて報告書を作成する。
I will compile the opinions from the meeting and create a report.
Bilingual Context for "掻い摘む"
会議の内容を掻い摘んで説明します。
I will explain the contents of the meeting concisely.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議の意見を取り纏めて報告書を作成する。" (Meaning: "I will compile the opinions from the meeting and create a report.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "取り纏める" fits here because it means "to summarize, to collect and put in order, to settle (an affair), to compile" in the context of: "I will compile the opinions from the meeting and create a report.". "掻い摘む" represents "to summarize, to pick out the essentials".