Meaning
The kanji 略 (りゃく) conveys ideas of abbreviation, omission, summary, and even strategy. It fundamentally implies reducing or simplifying something larger or more complex. Visually, 略 consists of two main components. The left radical, 疋 (ひき), originally depicted a bolt of cloth or a footprint. The right component, 各 (かく), means 'each' or 'every'. Although its precise etymological path is intricate, one theory suggests the 'foot' or 'movement' radical combined with 'each' to imply 'cutting across' or 'taking a shortcut'. This connection led to its modern meanings of omitting or simplifying. Imagine each person finding their own way to shorten a path or task. This kanji effectively illustrates the concept of reaching the essence by removing unnecessary elements. It has 11 strokes and is a Jouyou Kanji, often encountered at a more advanced level, reflecting its frequent use in adult Japanese vocabulary rather than early education.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 略 is リャク. This reading typically appears in words of Chinese origin, especially those connected to formal expressions, technical terms, and concepts of simplification or planning. Consequently, words featuring リャク often convey ideas like 'summary,' 'abbreviation,' or 'strategy.'
- 省略 (shōryaku) — omission, abbreviation, curtailment. This is a very common word, used when something is left out or shortened.
- 戦略 (senryaku) — strategy, tactics. This word refers to a long-term plan or approach, often in business or warfare.
- 略図 (ryakuzu) — a rough sketch, an outline map. Used for drawings that are not detailed but provide a general idea.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
略 also has several important Kun'yomi readings, primarily used in native Japanese words, often as verbs or adverbs. One of the most common is はぶく, a verb meaning 'to omit,' 'to abbreviate,' 'to curtail,' or 'to save.' Another frequently used reading is ほぼ, an adverb meaning 'almost,' 'roughly,' or 'generally.' Similarly, おおむね is a Kun'yomi that means 'generally,' 'for the most part,' or 'approximately.'
- 手間を省く (tema o habuku) — to save effort or trouble.
- 説明を省く (setsumei o habuku) — to omit an explanation.
- 食事を略く (shokuji o habuku) — to skip a meal.
- 略100人 (hobo hyakunin) — almost 100 people.
- 略賛成です (ōmune sansei desu) — I largely agree.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 略 is a versatile component in many Japanese words, conveying nuances of brevity, overview, and planning. Here are some common words and compounds categorized by their themes:
Abbreviation & Omission
- 略語 (ryakugo) — abbreviation, acronym. (e.g., LOL is a 略語)
- 略称 (ryakushō) — shortened name, abbreviation. (e.g., JAXA is the 略称 for 宇宙航空研究開発機構)
- 略字 (ryakuji) — simplified character. (A simpler way to write a kanji)
- 略式 (ryakushiki) — informal, summary style. (e.g., a 略式 ceremony)
Summary & Outline
- 概要 (gaiyō) — outline, summary, overview. (A general description)
- 略歴 (ryakureki) — brief personal history, résumé. (A short version of one's background)
- 略図 (ryakuzu) — rough sketch, outline map. (A simplified drawing)
- 概略 (gairyaku) — summary, outline. (Similar to 概要, a general sketch)
Strategy & Scheme
- 戦略 (senryaku) — strategy, tactics. (A plan to achieve a goal)
- 謀略 (bōryaku) — scheme, stratagem, plot. (A secret plan, often with negative connotations)
- 方略 (hōryaku) — plan, scheme, expedient. (A method or plan)
Actions & General Concepts
- 略奪 (ryakudatsu) — plunder, loot. (Taking possessions by force)
- 略す (ryakusu) — to abbreviate, to omit. (The verb form of 略 in its active sense)
Example Sentences
彼は説明を略いて、すぐに本題に入った。
Kare wa setsumei o habuite, sugu ni hondai ni haitta.
He omitted the explanation and immediately got to the main point.
会社名は長いので、通常は略称で呼ばれています。
Kaisha-mei wa nagai node, tsūjō wa ryakushō de yobareteimasu.
The company name is long, so it's usually called by its abbreviation.
旅行の計画の概要を話しましょう。
Ryokō no keikaku no gaiyō o hanashimashō.
Let's talk about the outline of the travel plan.
重要な点だけを抽出し、他は省略してください。
Jūyō na ten dake o chūshutsu shi, hoka wa shōryaku shite kudasai.
Please extract only the important points and omit the rest.
彼は仕事で朝食を略くことがよくあります。
Kare wa shigoto de chōshoku o habuku koto ga yoku arimasu.
He often skips breakfast due to work.
会議の内容は略理解できたと思います。
Kaigi no naiyō wa ōmune rikai dekita to omoimasu.
I think I largely understood the content of the meeting.
新しい販売戦略を立てる必要がある。
Atarashii hanbai senryaku o tateru hitsuyō ga aru.
We need to formulate a new sales strategy.
歴史の全体像を把握するために、まずは略史を読むのがよい。
Rekishi no zentaizō o haaku suru tame ni, mazu wa ryakushi o yomu no ga yoi.
To grasp the overall picture of history, it's good to first read a brief history.
彼の人生は略奪と戦いの歴史だった。
Kare no jinsei wa ryakudatsu to tatakai no rekishi datta.
His life was a history of plunder and battle.
この本は、略すべての単語に例文があります。
Kono hon wa, hobo subete no tango ni reibun ga arimasu.
This book has example sentences for almost all words.
Memory Tip
To remember 略, consider its components. The left part, 疋, can be visualized as a 'foot' or 'leg' in motion. The right part, 各, means 'each' or 'every'. Picture each person using their feet to take a shortcut across a field or path. When you take a shortcut, you omit parts of the longer route, effectively abbreviating your journey. This image of individuals quickly cutting corners on a path effectively links the idea of 'each' person moving 'roughly' or 'briefly' to the core meanings of abbreviation, omission, and outlining the essential parts.