ライトノベル
raito noberu[ɾa̠ito̞ no̞be̞ɾɯ̟]
The English phrase 'light novel' is translated into Japanese as ライトノベル (raito noberu). If unsure, use ライトノベル. Wiktionary also lists ラノベ (ranobe).
Meaning: Japanese type of novel (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ライトノベル | raito noberu | [ɾa̠ito̞ no̞be̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| ラノベ | ranobe | [ɾa̠no̞be̞] (narrow) |
While ライトノベル is the full term, speakers often use the abbreviated version ラノベ in everyday speech.
What does it mean word for word?
The term ライトノベル is a loanword from the English 'light novel', transliterated into Japanese katakana.
Which one should you use?
ラノベ is a slang abbreviation of the term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ラノベ is an informal abbreviation used in casual conversations.
How do you pronounce it?
raito noberu
Did you know?
- Although it uses English words, ライトノベル is a 'wasei eigo' or 'Japanized English' term. This means the specific combination of 'light' and 'novel' was coined in Japan rather than being a phrase used by English speakers.
- While ライトノベル describes the format, the term 文庫 'bunko' refers to the specific small, pocket-sized paperback binding that almost all light novels use.
- In Japanese bookstores, you will rarely see 'light novels' shelved with traditional 'Bungei' literature. They are treated as a separate commercial category, much like 'Young Adult' in English, but with much stricter physical formatting rules.
Examples in context
- ライトノベル？本物の小説を読んでくれ！A light novel? Read a real book!This sentence shows how someone might use ライトノベル when dismissively comparing it to traditional literature.Tatoeba #8757915 by chanchan, translation #10617609 by auxitt
- 最近、このライトノベルにはまっています。Saikin, kono raito noberu ni hamatte imasu.I've been into this light novel lately.
- このライトノベルはアニメ化されました。Kono raito noberu wa animeka saremashita.This light novel has been adapted into an anime.
Example conversation
At a bookstore, Kenta and Himari are looking at books.
- 陽葵 Himari健太君、このライトノベル、面白そうだよ。Kenta-kun, kono raito noberu, omoshirosou da yo.Kenta, this light novel looks interesting.
- 健太 Kenta本当だね。陽葵さんはこれを読むの？Hontou da ne. Himari-san wa kore o yomu no?You're right. Are you going to read this, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、ちょっと読んでみたいんだ。Un, chotto yonde mitai n da.Yeah, I want to try reading it a little.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、僕も一緒に探してみるよ。Jaa, boku mo issho ni sagashite miru yo.Then, I'll look for one with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “light novel” translations and entries ライトノベル, ラノベ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ライトノベル, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
