略語

• Reading: りゃくご
• Romaji: ryakugo
• Kanji breakdown: 略 (ryaku) — abbreviate, omit; 語 (go) — word, language
• Pronunciation: /ɾja.kɯ.go/

Meaning

Abbreviation; acronym. A shortened form of a word or phrase.

A noun referring to shortened forms of words or phrases. Japanese is rich in abbreviations: スマホ (smartphone), コンビニ (convenience store), パソコン (personal computer). 略語 covers both truncated words and acronyms (like SNS, IT). The verb form is 略す (to abbreviate). An increasingly relevant concept as Japanese constantly creates new abbreviations, especially from katakana loanwords.

Examples

1. SNSは何の略語か知っていますか。 Do you know what SNS stands for?
2. 若者が使う略語は変化が速い。 The abbreviations young people use change quickly.
3. この分野では専門的な略語が多く使われる。 A lot of specialized abbreviations are used in this field.

Usage Guide

Context: language, communication, technology, education

Tone: informative

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 略 (ryaku, to abbreviate/omit) + 語 (go, word/language). Together: 'abbreviated word' — a word that has been shortened from its full form.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal