長編

• Reading: ちょうへん
• Romaji: chouhen
• Kanji breakdown: 長 (chou) — long; 編 (hen) — compile, volume, knit
• Pronunciation: /tɕoː.heɴ/

Meaning

A long work; a full-length novel, feature film, or extended creative work.

A noun describing works of substantial length. Contrasts with 短編 (tanpen, short work) and 中編 (chuuhen, medium-length work). Used across literature, film, music, and other media. Common compounds include 長編小説 (full-length novel), 長編映画 (feature film), and 長編アニメ (feature-length animation).

Examples

1. この作家の長編は読みごたえがある。 This author's full-length works are really satisfying to read.
2. 彼は初めての長編映画を撮影中だ。 He is currently filming his first feature-length movie.
3. 短編より長編のほうが好きだという読者は多い。 There are many readers who prefer full-length works over short ones.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, film, publishing, media

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 長 (chou, long) + 編 (hen, compilation/volume). Literally 'long compilation,' originally referring to lengthy written works and later extending to films and other media.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal