小説 — meaning in English: novel

shōsetsu · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for novel

ベッド

beddo

小説

shōsetsu

教義

kyōgi

エグゼクティブ

eguzekutibu

試み

kokoromi

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 小説 when discussing literature, whether in casual book club gatherings or formal academic settings. It often arises in conversations about favorite authors, literary genres, or when recommending books to friends.

Synonyms & nuances

Another word for novel is 物語 (monogatari), which often refers to stories or tales more broadly. While 小説 specifically denotes a novel, 物語 can encompass a wider array of storytelling formats like folklore or traditional epics.

Culture

The word 小説 (shōsetsu) has its roots in the Edo period, evolving from earlier forms of storytelling that emphasized entertainment and moral lessons. Today, it encompasses a wide range of fictional works, from light novels to complex literary masterpieces, reflecting Japan's rich narrative tradition.

FAQ

Q.What does 小説 mean in English?

小説 translates to 'novel' in English, referring specifically to a long narrative that is fictional in nature.

Q.How do you use 小説 in a sentence?

You can use 小説 in a sentence like '私は最近この小説を読みました' which means 'I recently read this novel.'

Q.Are there different types of 小説?

Yes, there are various types of 小説, including light novels (ライトノベル) aimed at younger audiences and literary novels (文芸小説) that focus on more serious themes and complex narratives.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000