Meaning
concise; to the point; direct; succinct; frank; straightforward
Nuance & Usage
端的 describes expression or communication that is direct, brief, and to the point — without unnecessary elaboration. 端的に言えば (to put it concisely/bluntly), 端的に示す (to demonstrate concisely), 端的な表現 (concise expression) are key uses. In business presentations and academic writing, the ability to express things 端的に is highly valued. Unlike 簡単に (kantanni — simply, easily), 端的 specifically implies stripping away the unnecessary and going straight to the core. 端的に言うと is a highly useful discourse marker.
Common Mistakes
Learners confuse 端的 with 簡潔 (kanketsu — concise, brief — focusing on shortness) and 率直 (sotchoku — frank/straightforward — focusing on honesty). 端的 combines conciseness with directness, going straight to the essential point. 端的に言えば is a fixed expression meaning "to put it simply/directly." 端的すぎる (too blunt) can have a negative nuance if it lacks tact. 端的 is a na-adjective: 端的な表現, 端的に言う.
Example Sentences
要点を端的にまとめて報告するのが、ぷれぜんの基本だ。
ようてんをたんてきにまとめてほうこくするのが、ぷれぜんのきほんだ。
Summarizing the key points concisely is the basis of a good presentation.
端的に言えば、この計画には資金が根本的に不足している。
たんてきにいえば、このけいかくにはしきんがこんぽんてきにふそくしている。
To put it bluntly, this plan is fundamentally short on funding.
彼の文章は端的で無駄がなく、読者の心をすぐにつかむ。
かれのぶんしょうはたんてきでむだがなく、どくしゃのこころをすぐにつかむ。
His writing is concise and waste-free, quickly capturing the reader's heart.
Quick Quiz
N14 questionsTest your knowledge of 端的 with 4 different question types.
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