編集
henshū[hẽ̞ɰ̃ɕɨː]
The English word "compilation" is translated into Japanese as 編集 (henshū).
While 編集 can be used to mean a compilation, it most commonly refers to the process of editing text, video or media. Depending on the context, other terms are more appropriate: コンパイル is used in computer science for compiling code and 総集編 is used for compilations of literature, films or music.
Meaning: that which is compiled (noun)
Which one should you use?
総集編 is a specific term for a compilation of artistic works like music or film. In technological contexts, use the loanword コンパイル instead. For informal online collections or summaries of information, the term まとめ is preferred.
How do you pronounce it?
henshū
Did you know?
- The kanji for 編集 (henshū) includes the character 編, which originally referred to weaving or braiding threads together.
- In Japanese pop culture, 総集編 episodes are often used as 'filler' in long-running anime series to give the production team more time to animate new episodes. These compilations often re-frame old footage with new narration.
- In the digital age, the word for compilation, まとめ (matome), has birthed an entire internet genre known as 'matome sites', which are blogs dedicated to aggregating viral forum posts.
Examples in context
- 映画の 総集編 を見ました。I watched a movie compilation.
- 最新のニュース まとめ を読みました。I read a compilation of the latest news.
- この本はさまざまな詩人の詩が 集まった 本です。This book is a compilation of poems by various poets.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are talking about a music project.
- 蓮 Ren美咲、この編集はどうかな？Misaki, kono henshū wa dō kana?Misaki, what do you think of this compilation?
- 美咲 Misakiいい感じだね。曲の選び方がいい。Ii kanji da ne. Kyoku no erabikata ga ii.It feels good. The song selection is great.
- 蓮 Renよかった。最高の編集にしたいんだ。Yokatta. Saikō no henshū ni shitai n da.I'm glad. I want to make it the best compilation.
- 美咲 Misakiきっといい作品になるよ。Kitto ii sakuhin ni naru yo.I'm sure it will be a great piece of work.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 編集, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
