長編小説

• Reading: ちょうへんしょうせつ
• Romaji: chouhen shousetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 長 (chou) — long; 編 (hen) — compile, volume; 小 (shou) — small; 説 (setsu) — theory, explain
• Pronunciation: /tɕoː.heɴ.ɕoː.se.tsɯ/

Meaning

A full-length novel; a long novel as opposed to a novella or short story.

A compound noun combining 長編 (long work) with 小説 (novel/fiction). Specifically refers to novels of substantial length, typically over 100,000 characters in Japanese publishing. Contrasts with 短編小説 (short story) and 中編小説 (novella). Used in literary criticism, publishing, and everyday book discussions.

Examples

1. 彼女は三年かけて長編小説を書き上げた。 She spent three years writing and finishing her full-length novel.
2. 夏休みに長編小説を一気に読破した。 I powered through an entire full-length novel over summer break.
3. この賞は長編小説だけを対象としている。 This award is only open to full-length novels.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, publishing, book reviews, education

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 長編 (chouhen, long work) + 小説 (shousetsu, novel). A straightforward compound meaning 'long-form novel.' The concept became important in Japanese literature during the Meiji era as Western novel forms were adopted.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal