レジュメ

• Reading: レジュメ
• Romaji: rejume
• Kanji breakdown: From French 'résumé' (summary) — used in Japanese universities to mean a lecture handout/outline, not a CV
• Pronunciation: /ɾe.dʑɯ.me/

Meaning

A lecture handout or summary — the printed outline a professor distributes in class, distinct from the Western meaning of résumé.

In Japanese university culture, レジュメ does not mean a CV or résumé as in Western countries. Instead, it refers to the printed handout or summary that professors distribute at the beginning of a lecture, outlining the key points, references, and discussion topics. Missing a class means missing the レジュメ, which leads to the common practice of asking classmates for copies. Some professors upload レジュメ online, while others only distribute physical copies in class, making attendance even more important.

Examples

1. この授業レジュメくれるから板書しなくていいの助かる。 This class gives out handouts so it's nice not having to copy the board.
2. 先週休んだからレジュメもらってない、コピーさせて。 I was absent last week so I didn't get the handout — can I copy yours?
3. レジュメだけじゃテスト範囲わからないからちゃんと出席しな。 You can't figure out the exam scope from just the handout, so make sure you actually attend.

Usage Guide

Context: university, academic, friends

Tone: academic-casual, everyday

Do Say

• 今日のレジュメ余分にもらえる？ (Can I get an extra copy of today's handout?)
• レジュメに載ってないことも試験に出るって言ってたよ。 (The professor said stuff not on the handout will also be on the exam.)

Don't Say

• 就活で「レジュメ持ってきてください」と言われたら履歴書のこと — 大学のプリントを持っていかない (When told to bring a レジュメ to a job interview, they mean a CV — don't bring a lecture handout)

Common Mistakes

• Confusing the Japanese university meaning (lecture handout) with the American English meaning (résumé/CV) — in Japanese academic contexts, レジュメ always means a printed class summary

Origin & History

From French 'résumé' (summary), adopted into Japanese academic culture to mean a lecture summary handout. This meaning diverges from the American English usage (curriculum vitae) and aligns closer to the original French meaning.

Cultural Context

Era: Adopted into Japanese academic culture, widespread since the late 20th century

Generation: University students and academics

Social background: Universal in academic contexts

Regional notes: Used at universities across Japan. The handout-based meaning is unique to Japanese academic culture and often surprises exchange students.