プロット
purotto[pɯ̟ɾo̞t̚to̞]
The English phrase "plot" (as in the course of a story) can be translated into Japanese as プロット (purotto) or 筋.
Meaning: course of a story (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| プロット | purotto | [pɯ̟ɾo̞t̚to̞] (narrow) |
| 筋 | suji | [sɨʑi] (narrow) |
While both terms refer to a plot, they are used in different contexts. Additionally, the term can be used idiomatically in the phrase 筋が通っている to indicate that a story or an argument is consistent and follows a logical progression.
What does it mean word for word?
The native term 筋 literally refers to a muscle, sinew or a line, which serves as a metaphor for the 'line' or thread of a narrative.
Which one should you use?
プロット is a loanword that is commonly used in technical or professional contexts, such as during literary analysis or screenwriting. In contrast, the native Japanese word 筋 is more common in everyday conversation and carries a nuance of the story's 'thread' or 'line'.
How do you pronounce it?
purotto
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 筋はあれだけど、面白い本だったよ。Apart from the plot, the book interested me.This sentence is useful for expressing that a book was interesting despite its 筋.Tatoeba #1631873 by mookeee, translation #18808 by Zifre
- 筋書きや登場人物についてまとめたレポートを提出してください。Please submit a report summarizing the plot and characters.
- この映画のプロットを考えるのに多くの時間を費やしました。I spent a lot of time crafting the plot for this movie.
- すごく面白いプロットを考えたんだよ。I came up with a really exciting plot.
- この映画はプロットが完璧だ。Kono eiga wa purotto ga kanpeki da.The plot of this movie is perfect.
- プロットを考えるのは難しい。Purotto o kangaeru no wa muzukashii.It is difficult to think up a plot.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are talking about a movie they just watched.
- 美咲 Misakiあの映画、プロットがシンプルで良かったね。ano eiga, purotto ga shinpuru de yokatta ne.That movie was good because the plot was simple.
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。展開が早くて飽きなかったよ。sou da ne. tenkai ga hayakute akinakatta yo.I agree. The pacing was fast, so I didn't get bored.
- 美咲 Misaki健太くんは結末を予想できた？kenta-kun wa ketsumatsu o yosou dekita?Kenta, were you able to predict the ending?
- 健太 Kentaいや、最後は全然予想外だったよ。iya, saigo wa zenzen yosougai datta yo.No, the end was completely unexpected.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plot” translations and entries プロット, 筋, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries プロット, 筋, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
