If you’re interested in learning how to say “encyclopedia” in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways of expressing this word, while also providing useful tips and examples. While regional variations exist, we will primarily focus on the standard Japanese language. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Encyclopedia
If you prefer to use a more polite and formal expression for “encyclopedia” in Japanese, you can use the word “百科事典” (hyakka jiten). This term carries a sense of formality and is commonly used in academic or professional settings. It is composed of two parts: “百科” meaning “encyclopedia” and “事典” meaning “dictionary.”
Here are a couple of examples showcasing the formal usage:
私は大学で百科事典を使用しています。
(Watashi wa daigaku de hyakka jiten o shiyo shiteimasu.)
I use an encyclopedia at university.
彼は最新の百科事典を執筆しました。
(Kare wa saishin no hyakka jiten o shippitsu shimashita.)
He wrote the latest encyclopedia.
Informal Ways to Say Encyclopedia
If you are looking for a more casual or informal way to refer to an “encyclopedia” in Japanese, you can use the word “事典” (jiten) alone. Using just “事典” omits the “百科” part and simply means “dictionary.” While it may have a less formal tone compared to “百科事典,” it is still widely understood and used in everyday conversations.
Take a look at the following examples to see how “事典” is used informally:
この事典は情報が豊富です。
(Kono jiten wa joho ga yutaka desu.)
This dictionary has abundant information.
彼は事典で解説を調べました。
(Kare wa jiten de kaisetsu o shirabemashita.)
He looked up the explanations in the dictionary.
Tips for Usage and Regional Variations
When referring to an encyclopedia, it’s important to note that there isn’t an extensive list of regional variations. However, it’s worth mentioning that loanwords, especially from English, are increasingly integrated into the Japanese language. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to hear the word “エンサイクロペディア” (ensyuropedia) used among younger generations. This term directly derived from the English word “encyclopedia” and is used in a similar manner.
Below you can find an example using the loanword:
最新のエンサイクロペディアを調べてください。
(Saishin no ensyuropedia o shirabete kudasai.)
Please look up the latest encyclopedia.
While this loanword is becoming more popular, it’s important to note that the formal and informal expressions mentioned earlier are still the most commonly used and widely understood in Japanese.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to say “encyclopedia” in Japanese, you can use the formal expression “百科事典” (hyakka jiten) or the more informal term “事典” (jiten). Additionally, there are some regional variations, including the loanword “エンサイクロペディア” (ensyuropedia), which has gained popularity in recent years.
Remember to choose the appropriate term based on the level of formality and context of your conversation. By using these expressions correctly, you’ll be able to effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas related to an “encyclopedia” in Japanese!
