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B2 adjective 11분 분량

簡潔

kanketsu

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 簡潔 30초 만에

설명 簡潔 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'kanketsu' yourself yet, but it is helpful to know it means 'short and good.' Think of it as a way to say 'Please don't talk too much.' In very simple terms, it is like the English word 'brief.' If a teacher says 'kanketsu ni,' they want you to give a short answer. It is different from 'mijikai' (short) because 'mijikai' is for things like pencils or hair, while 'kanketsu' is for stories or answers. For now, just remember: Kanketsu = Short answer.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

For A2 learners, 'kanketsu' is a useful word to recognize in textbooks and simple instructions. You might see it in a Japanese test where the instructions say 'Write your answer concisely (kanketsu ni).' It is a 'Na-adjective,' so you use it like 'kanketsu na bun' (a concise sentence). At this level, you should start noticing that Japanese people value not wasting time. Using 'kanketsu' shows you are trying to be professional. It is often paired with 'setsumei' (explanation) or 'kotae' (answer).

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B1 level, you should begin using 'kanketsu' in your own writing and formal speech. It is a key word for business Japanese. When you are giving a presentation or writing an email, you want to be 'kanketsu.' You can use the phrase 'Kanketsu ni iu to...' to mean 'To put it simply...' or 'In short...' This is a great way to transition to your main point. You should also distinguish it from 'kantan' (easy). A 'kanketsu' explanation is brief, but it might still be about a very difficult topic.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

B2 is the target level for mastering 'kanketsu.' You are expected to understand its nuances in various contexts, such as news reports or academic articles. You should be able to use the four-character compound 'kanketsu-meiryou' (concise and clear) to describe effective communication. At this level, you understand that 'kanketsu' is a virtue in Japanese professional culture. You can use it to critique writing—for example, saying a report is 'redundant' (jouchou) and needs to be more 'kanketsu.'

For C1 learners, 'kanketsu' is part of a larger vocabulary of rhetorical terms. You should understand how 'kanketsu' relates to the concept of 'linguistic economy' and 'high-context' communication. You can discuss the social implications of being 'kanketsu' versus being 'teinei' (polite/detailed). You should be able to recognize when 'kanketsu' is used sarcastically or when it is being used as a strict requirement in technical documentation. You can also use related terms like 'tanteki' (direct) or 'youryou o eta' (to the point) with precision.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'kanketsu.' You understand its historical roots in bamboo-slat writing and its place in Japanese aesthetic philosophy (like minimalism). you can analyze classical and modern literature based on the author's 'kanketsu' style (like Hemingway in English or Natsume Soseki's leaner passages). You can navigate the most formal business negotiations where 'kanketsu' communication is balanced with complex honorifics. You are also aware of homophones like 'kanketsu' (completion) and never confuse them in writing.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

簡潔 30초 만에

Kanketsu means 'concise' or 'brief.' It is a formal word used for speech and writing that gets straight to the point.
It is a Na-adjective (簡潔な) or an adverb (簡潔に). It is highly valued in Japanese business and academic settings.
Do not use it for physical objects like short hair; use it only for information, logic, and communication styles.
Commonly paired with 'meiryou' (clear) to form 'kanketsu-meiryou,' meaning 'concise and clear,' the ideal for professional communication.

The Japanese word 簡潔 (kanketsu) is a sophisticated Na-adjective and noun that translates most accurately to 'concise,' 'brief,' or 'succinct' in English. However, its nuance goes deeper than mere brevity. While the word 'mijikai' (short) simply refers to the length of time or physical distance, kanketsu implies a deliberate and skillful reduction of information to its most essential elements. It is the art of saying everything that needs to be said without using a single unnecessary word. In the high-context culture of Japan, where 'reading the air' (kuuki o yomu) is paramount, being kanketsu is seen as a sign of high intelligence, professional competence, and respect for the listener's time.

Core Essence: The term combines 'kan' (簡), meaning simplicity or brevity, with 'ketsu' (潔), meaning purity or cleanliness. Together, they suggest a 'clean simplicity'—a message that has been scrubbed of clutter and fluff.
Professional Utility: In Japanese business settings, the concept of 'Hou-Ren-Sou' (Report, Inform, Consult) relies heavily on being kanketsu. Superiors expect reports that get straight to the point to facilitate quick decision-making.
Aesthetic Connection: The concept mirrors Japanese minimalism. Just as a Zen garden uses a few stones to represent a mountain range, a kanketsu sentence uses a few words to convey a complex situation.

「報告は簡潔にお願いします。」 (Houkoku wa kanketsu ni onegaishimasu.)

Translation: "Please keep your report concise." This is a standard request in meetings.

You will encounter this word most frequently in formal writing, academic contexts, and professional environments. It is rarely used in casual conversation among friends unless someone is being jokingly formal or criticizing someone for talking too much. When a professor asks for a kanketsu summary, they are looking for the 'gist' or 'summary' (youshi) without the anecdotal padding. It is a word that carries an air of authority and precision.

「彼の説明は非常に簡潔で分かりやすかった。」 (Kare no setsumei wa hijou ni kanketsu de wakariyasukatta.)

Translation: "His explanation was very concise and easy to understand." This highlights the positive correlation between brevity and clarity.

Linguistically, kanketsu functions as a Na-adjective (簡潔な / kanketsu-na) or an adverb (簡潔に / kanketsu-ni). It is often paired with verbs of communication like 'noberu' (to state), 'matomeru' (to summarize), or 'setsumei suru' (to explain). Understanding this word is key to mastering N2 and N1 level Japanese, as it appears frequently in reading comprehension passages about logic and effective communication.

「要点を簡潔にまとめてください。」 (Youten o kanketsu ni matomete kudasai.)

Translation: "Please summarize the main points concisely."

「文章を簡潔にするための３つのコツ。」 (Bunshou o kanketsu ni suru tame no mittsu no kotsu.)

Translation: "Three tips for making your writing concise." This is a typical title for a business writing article.

「簡潔明瞭な指示を出してください。」 (Kanketsu meiryou na shiji o dashite kudasai.)

Translation: "Please give concise and clear instructions." Kanketsu-meiryou is a common four-character compound (yojijukugo).

Using 簡潔 (kanketsu) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a Na-adjective. Unlike 'mijikai' (short), which is an I-adjective, kanketsu needs the particle 'na' when modifying nouns and 'ni' when acting as an adverb. This distinction is crucial for natural-sounding Japanese. Furthermore, kanketsu is almost exclusively applied to information, speech, writing, or logic. You would never use it to describe a short person or a short skirt.

As an Adverb (ni): The most common usage is '簡潔に' (kanketsu ni). This follows the pattern [Verb] + [kanketsu ni]. Example: '簡潔に話す' (To speak concisely).
As a Modifier (na): When describing a noun, use '簡潔な' (kanketsu-na). Example: '簡潔な答え' (A concise answer).
As a Predicate (da/desu): To say 'It is concise,' use '簡潔だ' or '簡潔です'. Example: '彼の文章は簡潔だ' (His writing is concise).

「結論から簡潔に述べてください。」 (Ketsuron kara kanketsu ni nobete kudasai.)

Translation: "Please state the conclusion concisely first." This is a classic business communication rule in Japan.

In terms of sentence structure, kanketsu often appears in the imperative or request form in workplace settings. Managers will often use it to keep meetings on track. In academic writing, it is used to describe the quality of a well-written abstract or thesis statement. It is also a key criterion in Japanese language exams (like the JLPT or EJU) for essay writing sections, where students are graded on their ability to express complex ideas kanketsu ni.

「このマニュアルは簡潔すぎて、初心者には難しい。」 (Kono manyuaru wa kanketsu sugite, shoshinsha ni wa muzukashii.)

Translation: "This manual is too concise, so it's difficult for beginners." Here, kanketsu is used with the suffix '-sugiru' (too much).

Another advanced usage is the compound word 簡潔明瞭 (kanketsu-meiryou). This is a Yojijukugo (four-character idiom) that means 'concise and clear.' It is the gold standard for public speaking and technical documentation. When you want to praise someone's presentation style, saying it was 'kanketsu-meiryou' is a very high compliment.

「履歴書の自己PRは、簡潔かつ具体的に書くのがコツです。」 (Rirekisho no jiko PR wa, kanketsu katsu gutaiteki ni kaku no ga kotsu desu.)

Translation: "The trick to the self-promotion section of a resume is to write it concisely yet specifically."

「簡潔な表現を心がける。」 (Kanketsu na hyougen o kokorogakeru.)

Translation: "To strive for concise expression."

Understanding the context of 簡潔 (kanketsu) is as important as knowing its definition. Because Japanese communication often relies on politeness and indirectness, the demand for kanketsu communication usually arises in high-pressure or high-efficiency environments. You won't hear it at a lively izakaya or during a casual chat about the weather. Instead, it is the language of the boardroom, the classroom, and the newsroom.

In the Office: During a morning meeting (chourei), a manager might say, 'Time is limited, so please keep your reports kanketsu.' This is a signal to skip the small talk and jump to the data.
In Journalism: News anchors and journalists are trained to deliver information kanketsu ni. Headlines are the ultimate form of kanketsu writing, stripping away particles and polite endings to deliver the core facts.
In Education: Teachers often tell students to 'summarize the theme of this book kanketsu ni.' This tests the student's ability to identify the central message without getting lost in subplots.

「お電話ですので、簡潔にご用件を伺えますか？」 (O-denwa desu node, kanketsu ni go-youken o ukagaemasu ka?)

Translation: "Since this is a phone call, could I ask you to state your business concisely?" (A polite way to handle a long-winded caller).

Another place you will frequently see kanketsu is in self-help and business books. Titles like 'The Art of Concise Communication' or 'How to Speak Concisely in 30 Seconds' are bestsellers in Japan. This reflects a cultural shift where the traditional long-winded polite preambles are being replaced by global standards of efficiency. In the tech industry, specifically, kanketsu is a requirement for documentation and code commenting.

「簡潔に言うと、このプロジェクトは中止になりました。」 (Kanketsu ni iu to, kono purojekuto wa chuushi ni narimashita.)

Translation: "To put it concisely, this project has been cancelled."

In terms of media, 'Twitter' (now X) is often described in Japan as a platform that requires kanketsu na writing due to the character limit. Influencers who can summarize complex social issues kanketsu ni often gain the most followers because they provide high value in a short amount of time. Even in anime or drama, a 'cool' or 'stoic' character (like a detective or a samurai) is often characterized by their kanketsu way of speaking—avoiding emotional outbursts and sticking to the facts.

「プレゼンのスライドは文字を減らし、簡潔にすべきだ。」 (Purezen no suraido wa moji o herashi, kanketsu ni subeki da.)

Translation: "Presentation slides should have fewer words and be concise."

「彼のスピーチは簡潔ながらも、心に響くものだった。」 (Kare no supiichi wa kanketsu nagara mo, kokoro ni hibiku mono datta.)

Translation: "His speech was concise, yet it was deeply moving." (Using 'nagara mo' to show contrast).

For English speakers learning Japanese, the most common mistake with 簡潔 (kanketsu) is confusing it with other words for 'short' or 'simple.' Because English often uses 'brief' or 'simple' interchangeably with 'concise,' students might misuse kanketsu in contexts where it doesn't fit. Mastering the specific 'flavor' of kanketsu is key to reaching an advanced level of fluency.

Mistaking for 'Mijikai' (Short): 'Mijikai' describes physical length or duration. You can have a 'mijikai pencil' or a 'mijikai vacation,' but you cannot have a 'kanketsu pencil.' Kanketsu is strictly for information density.
Mistaking for 'Kantan' (Simple): 'Kantan' means easy to do or simple in structure. A math problem is 'kantan.' A kanketsu explanation might be simple, but the word itself refers to the act of condensing, not the ease of the task.
Mistaking for 'Tanjun' (Naive/Simple-minded): 'Tanjun' can sometimes have a negative connotation of being 'too simple' or 'naive.' Kanketsu is almost always a positive or neutral attribute of professional communication.

❌ 「この鉛筆は簡潔だ。」 (Kono enpitsu wa kanketsu da.)
✅ 「この鉛筆は短い。」 (Kono enpitsu wa mijikai.)

Explanation: You cannot use kanketsu for physical objects.

Another mistake is the grammatical omission of 'na' or 'ni.' Since many learners are used to I-adjectives, they might say 'kanketsu hanasu' instead of 'kanketsu ni hanasu.' Always remember that Sino-Japanese words (words made of two kanji) are almost always Na-adjectives or nouns. Furthermore, be careful not to use kanketsu when you actually mean 'short-tempered' (tanki). They share the 'kan' sound but are completely different concepts.

❌ 「簡潔なテストでした。」 (Kanketsu na tesuto deshita.)
✅ 「簡単なテストでした。」 (Kantan na tesuto deshita.)

Explanation: Use 'kantan' for 'easy.' Use 'kanketsu' for the way the questions are written, but not the difficulty level.

Finally, don't confuse kanketsu with 'kanketsu' (完結), which is pronounced the same but means 'completion' or 'conclusion' (like a manga series ending). While the sounds are identical, the kanji are different. Context usually makes the meaning clear, but in writing, using the wrong kanji is a major error. 'Kanketsu' (concise) uses 簡, while 'Kanketsu' (complete) uses 完.

「この物語は全10巻で完結した。」 (Kono monogatari wa zen-jukkan de kanketsu shita.)

Note: This 'kanketsu' (完結) means 'finished,' which is a common homophone error for learners.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for describing communication styles. Depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey, 簡潔 (kanketsu) might be replaced by several other terms. Knowing these synonyms will help you understand the subtle differences in how Japanese people view 'brevity.'

端的な (Tanteki-na): This means 'direct' or 'point-blank.' While kanketsu focuses on being brief, tanteki focuses on getting to the core of the matter immediately without any circling around. Example: '端的に言うと' (To put it bluntly/directly).
手短な (Te-mijika-na): Literally 'hand-short,' this is a more humble and slightly less formal version of kanketsu. It is very common in business speech when you are about to take up someone's time. Example: '手短に話します' (I'll keep it brief).
要領を得た (Youryou o eta): This idiomatic phrase means 'to the point' or 'hitting the mark.' It describes an explanation that is not just brief, but highly effective. Example: '要領を得た説明' (A pertinent and concise explanation).

「端的に申し上げますと、予算が足りません。」 (Tanteki ni moushiagemasu to, yosan ga tarimasen.)

Translation: "To put it bluntly, we don't have enough budget." Here, tanteki is used for directness.

When comparing kanketsu with tanteki, think of kanketsu as a well-edited essay and tanteki as a straight arrow. Kanketsu is about the overall structure and length, while tanteki is about the approach to the answer. Another word, zakkuri, is very common in casual business talk and means 'roughly' or 'loosely.' If a boss says 'zakkuri de ii yo' (A rough summary is fine), they are actually asking for something less precise than kanketsu.

「手短に自己紹介をお願いします。」 (Te-mijika ni jiko shoukai o onegaishimasu.)

Translation: "Please give a brief self-introduction." This is much more common in social settings than kanketsu.

In academic contexts, you might see shouyaku (abridgment) or yousetsu (brief explanation). These are more technical terms for the process of making something kanketsu. If you are writing a paper, you might 'shouyaku' a large theory into a 'kanketsu na' paragraph. Understanding these relationships allows you to navigate different levels of Japanese society with ease.

「要領を得ない説明で申し訳ありません。」 (Youryou o enai setsumei de moushiwake arimasen.)

Translation: "I apologize for my rambling (not to the point) explanation." This is the antonymic phrase of kanketsu.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The first character 簡 (Kan) contains the 'bamboo' radical (竹) because before paper, people wrote on bamboo strips. Because bamboo was heavy and space was limited, writers were forced to be 'kanketsu' by necessity!

발음 가이드

UK /kæŋ.kɛ.tsu/

US /kɑːn.kɛ.tsu/

In Standard Japanese (Tokyo), the pitch accent for 'kanketsu' is typically 'Heiban' (flat), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after the first mora.

라임이 맞는 단어

Sanketsu (Oxygen deficiency) Hanketsu (Judgment/Verdict) Danketsu (Unity/Solidarity) Shinketsu (Mind and blood/Effort) Kenketsu (Blood donation) Tenketsu (Pressure point) Renketsu (Connection/Linking) Junketsu (Purity)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'ketsu' like 'ketsu' (buttocks) with a sharp drop in pitch.
Elongating the 'kan' to 'kaan.'
Failing to pronounce the 'u' at the end of 'tsu' clearly in formal settings.
Confusing the pitch with 'kanketsu' (completion).
Making the 'n' sound too much like an English 'n' instead of a nasal Japanese 'n'.

난이도

독해 4/5

The kanji are N2 level, but the word appears frequently in professional texts.

쓰기 5/5

Writing '簡' and '潔' correctly from memory requires practice due to the many strokes.

말하기 3/5

The pronunciation is easy, but using it with the correct 'ni/na' particles is key.

듣기 4/5

Can be easily confused with 'kanketsu' (completion) in fast speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

短い (Mijikai) 簡単 (Kantan) 説明 (Setsumei) 理由 (Riyuu) 言葉 (Kotoba)

다음에 배울 것

冗長 (Jouchou) 端的 (Tanteki) 要約 (Youyaku) 明瞭 (Meiryou) 論理的 (Ronriteki)

고급

含蓄 (Ganchiku) 修辞 (Shuuji) 凝縮 (Gyoushuku) 割愛 (Katsuai) 推敲 (Suikou)

알아야 할 문법

Na-Adjective Modification

簡潔な (Kanketsu-na) + Noun

Adverbialization with 'ni'

簡潔に (Kanketsu-ni) + Verb

Compound Noun formation with 'sa'

簡潔さ (Kanketsusa) - The quality of being concise

Te-form for connecting adjectives

簡潔で (Kanketsu-de) + Adjective

Conditional 'ba' with 'ieba'

簡潔に言えば (Kanketsu ni ieba) - If I put it concisely...

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

簡潔な答えを書いてください。

Please write a concise answer.

kanketsu + na (adjective) + kotae (noun)

話は簡潔にしましょう。

Let's keep the talk brief.

kanketsu + ni (adverbial) + shimashou (let's do)

簡潔に言ってください。

Please say it concisely.

kanketsu + ni (adverbial) + itte kudasai (please say)

この本は簡潔です。

This book is concise.

kanketsu + desu (predicate)

簡潔な説明が好きです。

I like concise explanations.

kanketsu + na (adjective) + setsumei (noun)

簡潔にまとめました。

I summarized it concisely.

kanketsu + ni (adverbial) + matomemashita (summarized)

もっと簡潔に！

More concisely!

motto (more) + kanketsu ni (adverbial)

簡潔なメールを送る。

Send a concise email.

kanketsu + na (adjective) + meeru (noun)

理由を簡潔に教えてください。

Please tell me the reason concisely.

riyuu (reason) + o (object) + kanketsu ni (adverb)

彼の文章はいつも簡潔だ。

His writing is always concise.

kare no bunshou (his writing) + wa + itsumo (always) + kanketsu da

ニュースは簡潔な方がいい。

News is better when it is concise.

kanketsu na hou ga ii (it is better to be concise)

簡潔に話す練習をします。

I will practice speaking concisely.

kanketsu ni hanasu (to speak concisely) + renshuu (practice)

この地図は簡潔で分かりやすい。

This map is concise and easy to understand.

kanketsu de (te-form of na-adjective) + wakariyasui (easy to understand)

要点を簡潔に書きました。

I wrote the main points concisely.

youten (main points) + o + kanketsu ni

簡潔な自己紹介をしてください。

Please give a concise self-introduction.

kanketsu na + jiko shoukai (self-introduction)

先生は簡潔に答えました。

The teacher answered concisely.

sensei (teacher) + wa + kanketsu ni + kotaemashita

会議の議事録を簡潔にまとめる。

Summarize the meeting minutes concisely.

gijiroku (minutes) + o + kanketsu ni + matomeru

簡潔に言うと、計画は変更されました。

To put it concisely, the plan has been changed.

kanketsu ni iu to (introductory phrase: in short)

報告書は簡潔かつ明瞭であるべきだ。

Reports should be concise and clear.

kanketsu + katsu (and/yet) + meiryou (clear)

あなたの意見を簡潔に述べてください。

Please state your opinion concisely.

iken (opinion) + o + kanketsu ni + noberu (formal 'to say')

このマニュアルは簡潔に書かれている。

This manual is written concisely.

kanketsu ni + kakarete iru (passive form)

簡潔な表現を心がけています。

I try to keep my expressions concise.

hyougen (expression) + o + kokorogakeru (to bear in mind)

簡潔すぎる説明は誤解を招くこともある。

Explanations that are too concise can sometimes cause misunderstandings.

kanketsu + sugiru (too much) + gokai (misunderstanding)

要約は簡潔であればあるほど良い。

The more concise the summary, the better.

ba... hodo (the more... the more)

複雑な理論を簡潔に説明するのは難しい。

It is difficult to explain complex theories concisely.

fukuzatsu na riron (complex theory) + o + kanketsu ni

簡潔明瞭なプレゼンが評価された。

The concise and clear presentation was highly rated.

kanketsu-meiryou (yojijukugo) + na + purezen

彼は簡潔な文体で知られている作家だ。

He is an author known for his concise writing style.

kanketsu na buntai (writing style) + de shirarete iru

状況を簡潔に把握し、指示を出した。

He grasped the situation concisely and gave instructions.

joukyou (situation) + o + kanketsu ni + haoku suru (to grasp)

冗長な表現を削り、簡潔な文章に直した。

I cut out redundant expressions and revised it into a concise text.

jouchou na (redundant) + o + kezuri (cutting)

簡潔に言えば、我々の負けだ。

Simply put, we lost.

kanketsu ni ieba (conditional form: to put it simply)

ビジネスメールでは簡潔さが求められる。

Conciseness is required in business emails.

kanketsusa (conciseness - noun form) + ga + motomerareru

簡潔な中にも、熱意が感じられた。

Even within the conciseness, enthusiasm could be felt.

kanketsu na naka ni mo (even within the conciseness)

この論文の要旨は、簡潔かつ論理的に構成されている。

The abstract of this paper is structured concisely and logically.

youshi (abstract) + kanketsu katsu ronriteki (concise and logical)

簡潔な言葉にこそ、真理が宿る。

Truth resides in concise words.

kanketsu na kotoba + ni koso (emphasizing particle)

彼は多弁ではないが、その一言は常に簡潔で重みがある。

He is not talkative, but his words are always concise and weighty.

taben (talkative) + de wa nai + omomi ga aru (has weight)

情報を簡潔に記号化して伝達する。

To transmit information by encoding it concisely into symbols.

kanketsu ni + kigou-ka suru (to symbolize/encode)

簡潔さを追求するあまり、必要な情報まで削ってしまった。

In pursuing conciseness too much, I ended up cutting even necessary information.

tsuikyuu suru amari (to the point of overdoing it)

法的な文書では、解釈の余地を排した簡潔な記述が不可欠だ。

In legal documents, concise descriptions that exclude room for interpretation are essential.

kaishaku no yochi (room for interpretation) + o + haishita (excluded)

簡潔な美しさを備えた、日本の伝統的な建築様式。

Traditional Japanese architectural styles that possess a concise beauty.

kanketsu na utsukushisa (concise beauty) + o + sonaeta

事態を簡潔に総括し、次なる一手を検討する。

To summarize the situation concisely and consider the next move.

soukatsu suru (to summarize/conclude)

ヘミングウェイの文体は、簡潔さの極致と言えるだろう。

Hemingway's style could be called the pinnacle of conciseness.

kyokuchi (pinnacle/extreme) + to ieru darou

簡潔な表現の背後には、膨大な思考のプロセスが隠されている。

Behind concise expressions, a vast process of thought is hidden.

haigo ni wa (behind) + boudai na shikou (vast thinking)

詩人は、宇宙の真理を簡潔な数行に凝縮させる。

A poet condenses the truths of the universe into a few concise lines.

gyoushuku saseru (to condense/concentrate)

言語の経済性を考慮すれば、簡潔な伝達こそが理想的である。

Considering the economy of language, concise communication is ideal.

gengo no keizaisei (linguistic economy) + o + kouryo sureba

簡潔な文辞の中に、深い含蓄を込める。

To imbue deep implication within concise wording.

bunji (wording) + ganchiku (implication/connotation)

事象の核心を簡潔に穿つ言葉は、時に何千語にも勝る。

Words that concisely pierce the core of a phenomenon sometimes surpass thousands of words.

kakushin o ugatsu (to pierce the core) + ni masaru (to surpass)

修辞学において、簡潔さは単なる技術ではなく、美徳とされる。

In rhetoric, conciseness is considered not just a technique, but a virtue.

shuujigaku (rhetoric) + bitoku (virtue)

情報の洪水の中で、我々はより簡潔な本質を渇望している。

In a flood of information, we crave a more concise essence.

jouhou no kouzui (flood of information) + katsubou shite iru

동의어

簡明手短コンパクト要約されたシンプル

반의어

冗長複雑

자주 쓰는 조합

簡潔に述べる

簡潔にまとめる

簡潔な説明

簡潔明瞭

簡潔な文章

簡潔に答える

簡潔さを欠く

簡潔かつ具体的に

簡潔に言うと

簡潔な表現

자주 쓰는 구문

簡潔にお願いします

— A standard way to ask someone to be brief in a professional setting.

時間は残り少ないので、簡潔にお願いします。

簡潔にまとめると

— Used when providing a summary of a longer discussion or text.

今日の会議を簡潔にまとめると、以下の通りです。

簡潔な回答

— Refers to a short, direct answer that provides exactly what was asked.

簡潔な回答をいただき、感謝します。

簡潔な文体

— A writing style characterized by short sentences and direct meaning.

彼の簡潔な文体は、多くの読者に愛されている。

簡潔な指示

— Instructions that are easy to follow because they are not wordy.

簡潔な指示のおかげで、迷わずに作業できた。

簡潔な報告

— A report that focuses only on the most important data points.

上司に簡潔な報告を行った。

簡潔を旨とする

— A formal expression meaning 'to make conciseness one's primary principle.'

当サイトの解説は、簡潔を旨としています。

簡潔な構成

— A clear and simple structure of a presentation or book.

このプレゼンは簡潔な構成で素晴らしい。

簡潔な中身

— Content that is substantial yet delivered without fluff.

簡潔な中身ながら、説得力がある。

簡潔に記す

— A formal way to say 'to write down briefly.'

詳細は別紙に、要点はここに簡潔に記す。

자주 혼동되는 단어

簡潔 vs 完結 (Kanketsu)

Same pronunciation, but means 'completion' or 'finish.' Used for stories or projects ending.

簡潔 vs 簡略 (Kanryaku)

Means 'simplified' or 'omitted.' Focuses on making a process easier, not necessarily the language better.

簡潔 vs 端的 (Tanteki)

Means 'direct' or 'blunt.' Focuses on reaching the point immediately without detour.

관용어 및 표현

"簡潔明瞭"

— The classic idiom for 'concise and clear.' It is the ideal state of communication.

彼の説明は簡潔明瞭で、誰もが納得した。

Formal

"簡潔を極める"

— To be extremely concise, to the point of being a master of the craft.

その詩は簡潔を極めていた。

Literary

"短刀直入に"

— Though not using the word 'kanketsu,' it means to get straight to the point (like piercing with a short sword).

短刀直入に言うと、君の案は不採用だ。

General

"要を得る"

— To hit the essential point.

彼の批評は常に要を得ている。

Formal

"一言居士"

— Someone who always has to have 'one word' (the last word) on everything; a contrast to true conciseness.

彼は一言居士だから、話が長くなる。

Slightly Negative

"立て板に水"

— To speak fluently and without stopping (like water flowing down a board). Can be the opposite of kanketsu if not careful.

彼は立て板に水のように話し続けた。

Idiomatic

"口を酸っぱくして"

— To say something repeatedly until one's mouth is sour (the opposite of saying it once concisely).

簡潔にと言ったのに、口を酸っぱくして説明しなければならなかった。

Idiomatic

"阿吽の呼吸"

— The perfect synchronization between two people that allows for extremely concise (or even silent) communication.

二人は阿吽の呼吸で、簡潔な指示だけで動いた。

Cultural

"言わぬが花"

— Some things are better left unsaid (the ultimate form of conciseness).

それ以上は言わぬが花。簡潔に終わらせよう。

Proverb

"以心伝心"

— Heart-to-heart communication where words (concise or otherwise) are unnecessary.

以心伝心の仲なら、簡潔な言葉でも十分伝わる。

General

혼동하기 쉬운

簡潔 vs 短い (Mijikai)

Both mean 'short' in English.

Mijikai is for physical length and time. Kanketsu is for information density and communication style.

短い髪 (Short hair) vs 簡潔な文章 (Concise writing).

簡潔 vs 簡単 (Kantan)

Both imply a lack of complexity.

Kantan means 'easy to do' or 'not difficult.' Kanketsu means 'short and clear' regardless of difficulty.

簡単な問題 (Easy problem) vs 簡潔な説明 (Concise explanation).

簡潔 vs 単純 (Tanjun)

Both suggest simplicity.

Tanjun often means 'simple-minded' or 'lacking depth.' Kanketsu is a positive skill of condensing depth.

単純な人 (Simple-minded person) vs 簡潔な要約 (Concise summary).

簡潔 vs 要約 (Youyaku)

Both involve making things shorter.

Youyaku is a noun/verb meaning 'to summarize.' Kanketsu is an adjective describing the quality of that summary.

要約する (To summarize) vs 簡潔な要約 (A concise summary).

簡潔 vs 手短 (Te-mijika)

Both are used for 'brief' in business.

Te-mijika is more humble and focuses on saving time. Kanketsu is more objective and focuses on clarity.

手短に話す (I will be brief - polite) vs 簡潔に話す (Speak concisely - professional).

문장 패턴

[Noun] を簡潔に教えてください。

理由を簡潔に教えてください。

簡潔に言うと、[Sentence]。

簡潔に言うと、行けません。

[Noun] は簡潔な方がいい。

説明は簡潔な方がいい。

[Verb-masu stem] 簡潔にまとめる。

要点を簡潔にまとめる。

簡潔かつ [Adjective] な [Noun]。

簡潔かつ明瞭な指示。

[Noun] の簡潔さは [Noun] に由来する。

彼の文章の簡潔さは、深い思考に由来する。

簡潔に [Verb-dict form] ことを心がける。

簡潔に話すことを心がける。

簡潔を極めた [Noun]。

簡潔を極めた表現。

어휘 가족

명사

簡潔さ (Kanketsusa) - Conciseness

簡潔化 (Kanketsuka) - Simplification/Making concise

동사

簡潔にする (Kanketsu ni suru) - To make concise

簡潔にまとめる (Kanketsu ni matomeru) - To summarize concisely

형용사

簡潔な (Kanketsu-na) - Concise

사용법

frequency

High in professional and academic contexts; low in casual youth slang.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'kanketsu' for physical length. → 短い (Mijikai)
You cannot say 'kanketsu na enpitsu' for a short pencil. Use 'mijikai' for physical objects and 'kanketsu' for information.
Using 'kanketsu' to mean 'easy.' → 簡単 (Kantan)
A 'kanketsu' explanation is short, but the topic might be very hard. 'Kantan' refers to the difficulty of the task itself.
Forgetting the 'na' or 'ni' particle. → 簡潔な文章 / 簡潔に話す
Kanketsu is a Na-adjective. It requires 'na' for nouns and 'ni' for verbs. It is not an I-adjective.
Confusing '簡潔' with '完結'. → 簡潔 (Concise) / 完結 (Finished)
They sound the same but have different kanji. 'Kanketsu' (concise) is for style; 'Kanketsu' (finished) is for a series or story ending.
Telling a boss 'Kanketsu ni shite' directly. → 手短にお願いします (Te-mijika ni...)
Commanding a superior to be concise is rude. Use the humble 'te-mijika' or ask for 'youten' (main points) instead.

팁

Resume Writing

On a Japanese resume (rirekisho), use 'kanketsu' to describe your communication skills. Phrases like 'kanketsu ni tsutaeru nouryoku' (the ability to convey things concisely) are highly valued by recruiters.

The 'Ni' vs 'Na' Rule

Always check the word following 'kanketsu.' If it's a verb (like talk, write, summarize), use 'ni.' If it's a noun (like answer, explanation, sentence), use 'na.' Mixing these up is a common learner error.

The Art of Omission

In Japanese, being concise often means omitting the subject (I, you, he). This is the ultimate form of 'kanketsu.' If the context is clear, don't say 'Watashi wa.' Just jump to the verb.

Reading Comprehension

When you see 'kanketsu' in a JLPT reading passage, the next sentence is usually a summary of the entire paragraph. Use it as a roadmap to find the main idea quickly.

Elevator Pitches

In Japan, the '30-second rule' for introductions is becoming common. Practice your 'kanketsu na jiko shoukai' (concise self-introduction) to impress potential business partners.

Editing Your Work

After writing a draft in Japanese, look for 'jouchou' (redundant) words like 'to omoimasu' or 'to iu koto desu.' Removing these will make your writing more 'kanketsu' and professional.

Meeting Management

If you are leading a meeting, use 'Kanketsu ni onegaishimasu' to keep people from rambling. It is a polite but firm way to maintain control of the schedule.

News Headlines

Watch the NHK 7 PM news. Notice how the headlines are written. They are the perfect examples of 'kanketsu' Japanese. Try to mimic that style in your own notes.

The Bamboo Slats

Remember the 'Kan' (簡) kanji looks like bamboo slats. You can't fit a long story on a thin piece of bamboo, so you must be 'kanketsu' (concise)!

Yojijukugo Power

Using 'Kanketsu-meiryou' (簡潔明瞭) in a speech makes you sound like a native speaker with a high education. Save it for moments when you want to give a strong compliment.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'CAN' (Kan) of 'Ketchup' (Ketsu). If you want to get the ketchup out quickly, you need a 'concise' squeeze, not a long messy one.

시각적 연상

Imagine a pair of scissors cutting away long, tangled strings of words until only a small, shiny diamond of meaning remains. That diamond is 'kanketsu.'

Word Web

Business Writing Summary Clear Logic Efficiency Bamboo Clean

챌린지

Try to explain what you did yesterday in exactly three sentences using '簡潔に'. Then, try to do it in one sentence.

어원

The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango) consisting of two characters: 簡 (Kan) and 潔 (Ketsu). It entered the Japanese language through classical Chinese texts.

원래 의미: Originally, it referred to the 'cleanliness' and 'simplicity' of writing on bamboo slips.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

문화적 맥락

Be careful not to use 'kanketsu' to describe a person's personality unless you mean they are an efficient communicator. Calling someone 'kanketsu' as a person sounds strange; use 'tanki' for short-tempered or 'saishoku-kenbi' for intelligent/efficient.

English speakers often use 'brief' or 'short,' but 'concise' is the best academic match. In English, being too concise can sometimes seem 'curt' or 'rude,' which is also a risk in Japanese if honorifics are not used.

The 'Hou-Ren-Sou' business manual by Tomiji Yamazaki emphasizes kanketsu reports. Japanese translations of Hemingway often use the word 'kanketsu' to describe his 'Iceberg Theory' style. The NHK News manual instructs reporters to maintain 'kanketsu-meiryou' at all times.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Business Meeting

簡潔に報告します。
簡潔にお願いします。
要点を簡潔に。
簡潔なプレゼン。

Academic Writing

簡潔な要旨。
簡潔に論じる。
簡潔な記述。
簡潔さを保つ。

Job Interview

簡潔に自己PRをする。
簡潔に回答する。
簡潔な経歴説明。
簡潔かつ的確に。

News/Media

簡潔な見出し。
簡潔に伝える。
簡潔な解説。
簡潔なテロップ。

Daily Planning

簡潔なメモ。
簡潔なリスト。
簡潔な説明書。
簡潔なメッセージ。

대화 시작하기

"「簡潔に言うと、今回のプロジェクトの最大の課題は何ですか？」"

"「あなたの好きな作家の、簡潔な文体について教えてください。」"

"「どうすればもっと簡潔に自分の考えを伝えられると思いますか？」"

"「日本とあなたの国では、どちらがより簡潔な話し方を好みますか？」"

"「簡潔すぎて困ったという経験はありますか？」"

일기 주제

今日学んだ最も重要なことを、一言で簡潔に書いてみましょう。なぜその言葉を選びましたか？

自分の性格を三つの簡潔な単語で表すと何ですか？その理由も簡潔に説明してください。

「簡潔さ」と「丁寧さ」のバランスについて、あなたの意見を日本語で書いてください。

最近読んだ本や見た映画の内容を、ネタバレなしで簡潔に要約してみましょう。

仕事や勉強の効率を上げるために、どのようにコミュニケーションを簡潔にできますか？

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, 'kanketsu' is a very professional word. However, telling your boss 'Kanketsu ni shite kudasai' (Please be concise) is rude. Instead, use it for your own actions: 'Kanketsu ni houkoku itashimasu' (I will report concisely). If you want them to be brief, say 'Te-mijika ni onegaishimasu' (Please be brief).

'Kanketsu' means concise—no wasted words. 'Tanteki' means direct—no wasted time or detours. You can be 'tanteki' by saying 'No' immediately, but 'kanketsu' is about how you structure a whole paragraph. 'Tanteki' is often more blunt.

Not really. For a movie, you would use 'shaku ga mijikai' (the length is short). However, you could say the 'storytelling' (tenkai) of the movie was 'kanketsu' if it moved quickly and didn't have unnecessary scenes.

The first kanji, 簡, has the bamboo radical on top and the 'kan' phonetic on the bottom. The second, 潔, has the water radical on the left and 'ketsu' (purity) on the right. Practice them together as they often appear in N2/N1 exams.

Yes, it is a very common 'yojijukugo' (four-character idiom). It is the standard praise for good instructions, speeches, or manuals. It literally means 'Concise and Clear.'

No. For short clothes, use 'mijikai.' If you want to say someone's fashion style is 'simple' or 'clean,' you would use 'kanso' (simple) or 'shinpuru' (simple).

The direct opposite is '冗長' (jouchou), which means redundant or wordy. If something is 'fukanketsu' (not concise), it is usually seen as a failure of communication.

Japanese is a high-context language. Being 'kanketsu' shows that you trust the listener to understand the context without you having to explain every tiny detail. It also shows respect for the other person's busy schedule.

It means 'concise,' which is a type of simplicity. However, 'kantan' (simple/easy) is used for difficulty, while 'kanketsu' is used for the volume of information. A complex physics law can be explained in a 'kanketsu' (concise) way, but it is still not 'kantan' (simple).

The most natural phrase is 'Kanketsu ni iu to...' (簡潔に言うと). In more formal writing, you can use 'Kanketsu ni ieba...' (簡潔に言えば).

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기